Canada aiming for 15% growth in 2014
Canada witnessed 147,000 visitors from India in 2013, with a 9.2% increase in international arrivals from India in December 2013. And in 2014, the spirit of optimism runs high as CTC-India aims for a much higher target of 15% growth.
Focus Canada – India 2014 was held from February 26 to March 1, 2014, where Canadian sellers and Indian buyers got an opportunity to interact and plan for the year ahead. “We’ve had a wonderful ‘Focus’ this year. We had 29 companies from Canada and 39 representatives and approximately 60 buyers. And everyone was really excited and looking forward to selling Canada this year,” says
Siobhan Chretien, Regional Managing Director – Emerging Market, CTC – India.
In 2013, India was bogged down by a slow GDP growth, which affected the outbound numbers to Canada. “In the last quarter, we experienced increases which were significant, however we were flat for the total year,” she added. “And, I think it was predominantly because of the decline in the economy in India, and the devaluation of the Indian rupee. But all in all, Canada stayed very strong.” She added that they were up only half a per cent at the end of the year, but compared to other international and long haul destinations, it was a favourable number, i. e., 147,000 visitors.
We’ve had a wonderful ‘Focus’ this year. We had 29 companies from Canada and 39 representatives and approximately 60 buyers
Siobhan Chretien Regional Managing Director - Emerging Market
CTC – India
The Indian market generated 10,942 tourists to Canada in December 2013, an increase of 9.2 per cent over the same month in 2012. This year, the tourism body is projecting an increase. With Canada now offering multiple-entry visa, the change may help the numbers. “Obviously, any change that helps in loosen any restrictions will be met with great excitement. So we probably expect around 150,000 visitors. Also, in the months ahead, the consul will be introducing some changes, and we shall support and communicate that to the travel trade.”
Regarding growth of MICE movement to Canada, Chretien said that this sector has not yet established fully. “Once air connectivity improves, the numbers are bound to rise.”
With CTC having its presence in 10 countries, India is 8th on the list measuring volume of tourists, with South Korea and Mexico following. With VFR being a large percentage of the visitor share, the current spend is CAD 1,100 and the average night stay is 25 days. With the middle class growing, aggressive social marketing and increasing access to different technologies, the competition is growing. Even though maximum Indian travellers are from Delhi and Mumbai, CTC India is expanding to the cities of Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad.