Visitors love a city filled with great local shops, awe-inspiring attractions and exciting events, but those are the same things Manitobans enjoy and love about Winnipeg all year long. We need to show our support now more than ever.
In a normal year, Winnipeg attracts approximately 3.5 million visitors, resulting in an estimated $609 million in direct expenditures. This vital sector employs more than 48,000 people across 4,000 businesses in Winnipeg, resulting in $2.3 billion in GDP annually.
Tourism is not only an important part of our economy, but it also helps preserve our local arts and culture, strengthens our community and adds to our quality of life.
We can’t visit everywhere we want to right now, but Tourism Week, May 23 – May 30, is a good time to support the people and businesses behind this sector. Here are some ideas on how Manitobans can help boost our local tourism industry.
- Grab take-out and picnic in the park with your family. We've paired our favourite parks and dishes on Peg City Grub.
- Get a coffee and explore the city in a new way through audio tours.
- Try a virtual escape room adventure.
- Buy gift certificates, order online from local restaurants and shops.
- Buy memberships or passes to our great attractions.
“Tourism touches every aspect of our economy. When we support our local businesses, hotels, restaurants and attractions, we are stepping up to strengthen the very things that make this city so attractive. If we’re here for them now, they will be here for us once travel restrictions lift,” says Dayna Spiring, CEO and President of Economic Development Winnipeg.
Tourism Winnipeg recently put together a video honouring those who went above and beyond for the tourism sector and our community during the pandemic. You can watch the video below.
"This is our love letter to the tourism industry. Winnipeggers have so much to discover and enjoy in their own backyard. It was a good time to recognize all the incredible people who are behind these businesses and what they add to our community. We want people to thank them by supporting them through this difficult time in any way they can,” adds Spiring.
See all the winners from Tourism Winnipeg’s recent Awards of Distinctions.
