Canada is experiencing a significant rebound in international travel, with the latest data from Statistics Canada revealing a surge in arrivals for September 2023. In a heartening sign of recovery, the numbers have exceeded those of the pre-pandemic year, 2019. These statistics provide an insight into the changing landscape of international travel, which has far-reaching implications for the Canadian economy.
The number of non-resident arrivals at Canadian airports equipped with electronic sensors skyrocketed to 942,600 in September 2023, marking a substantial 29.3% increase from the same month in 2022. This impressive growth is an encouraging sign of a resurgence in international tourism. It’s important to note that this figure includes arrivals from overseas countries and the United States, with a significant portion of the total coming from our American neighbors.
Excluding data from Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1, which notably improved coverage with the deployment of Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIKs), non-resident arrivals reached a remarkable 87% of the pre-pandemic levels in September 2019. The positive momentum of recovery is evident as this figure exceeded the 81.6% rate in August 2023.
US-resident trips entering Canada by automobile through land ports equipped with the Integrated Primary Inspection Line (IPIL) application have surged to 1.2 million in September 2023, marking a staggering 44.9% increase compared to the same month in 2022. Furthermore, the recovery rate in September 2023 reached 96.5% of the numbers seen in September 2019, showcasing a significant rebound from the 74.8% recovery rate observed in August 2023.
It’s noteworthy that the Friday preceding the 2023 Labour Day long weekend witnessed a massive increase, with 97,600 arrivals by US residents, up 92.3% from the average of the following Fridays in September 2023. This spike in travel indicates strong cross-border visitation during holidays and long weekends.
In September 2023, Canadian-resident return trips from abroad through airports equipped with PIKs reached 1.3 million, marking a substantial 17.6% increase from September 2022. Excluding arrivals at Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1, this figure represented 100% of the pre-pandemic levels seen in September 2019, surpassing the 98.7% recovery rate observed in August 2023.
Additionally, the number of Canadian-resident return trips by automobile from visiting the United States via IPIL-equipped land ports surged to 2.0 million, reflecting a substantial 37.0% increase from the same month in the previous year. The recovery rate in September 2023 reached 85.8% of the 2.3 million trips observed in September 2019, up from the 84.7% rate seen in August 2023.
These statistics paint a promising picture for the Canadian economy, as the rebound in international travel signifies increased tourism, cross-border commerce, and economic activity. It’s a positive sign for businesses that depend on tourism, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and retail establishments.
The resurgence in international travel is not only a boon for the economy but also indicative of growing confidence in travel safety measures and Canada’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.
It’s important to bear in mind that these numbers, while promising, are preliminary. Complete counts for the month of September 2023 will be available in the future, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis. As travel continues to evolve, these statistics will be essential for policymakers, businesses, and travelers alike as they navigate the changing landscape of international travel in Canada.