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The Citizen, 1994-07-06, Page 26PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994. Ministry notes tourism’s impact on Ont. During June, which was declared "Tourism Awareness Month" by the Tourism Indsutry Association of Canada, the Ontario Minister of Culture, Tourism and Recreation Anne S warbrick noted the recent gains in the province's economic performance as is relates to the tourism industry. Ms Swarbrick also recognized the growing significance of tourism across the province. "More and more people are travelling in Ontario, and that's good news for the industry and the economy," she said, nothing that the number of visitors from overseas travel to Ontario rose three per cent last year and that Ontarians are taking more trips at home, while their visits across the border to the U.S. have dropped sharply. "As we swing into the summer high season for tourism, Ontario's tourism industry is getting ready to welcome millions of visitors," said Ms Swarbrick. "We want everyone to understand what an important role tourism plays in the Ontario economy, and the role they and their communities play in helping to make the province one of the world's top travel destinations." "We all need to recognize the benefits that tourism provides to all regions of Ontario, and especially of the economic impact tourism brings to the province," she said. In Ontario, tourism generates up to $17 billion dollars a year and provides jobs for over 272,000 people. During the next few years, growth is expected to occur at a much faster rate in the tourism and hospitality sector than the provincial average anticipated for other industries, and will rebound from effects of the recession it experienced in the past two years, a decrease which has been blamed on recessionary factors. The growth of tourism is a worldwide phenomenon, and according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism is the world s largest industry and largest generator cf jobs. "People are starting to accept a broader definition of the tourism industry in Ontario, and they understand that tourism not only includes hotels, attractions and restaurants, but it also includes recreation and sports facilities, historic sites and cultural facilities ... art exhibits and street vendors ... we're all part of the tourism family," said Ms Swarbrick. "Winter carnivals, local theatre productions and special-themed events bring in visitors, either from neighbouring communities, or from abroad. That's the true face of tourism in Ontario, and it can be found in every community in Ontario." Many people may not realize just how many different jobs depend on tourism in this province. There are obvious tourist related jobs at attractions like Science North in Sudbury or the popular shops at Niagara Falls, but a great number of the jobs created by tourism are in the independently owned businesses found in smaller communities. "They greatly depend on tourist dollars for their living," said Ms Swarbrick. "Retail services close to convention facilities are as much a part of Ontario's tourism infrastructure as the CN Tower or Ottawa's Tulip Festival," she said. In the past year, the Ministry of Culture with Tourism and Recreation has been working closely with its tourism partners in all regions of the province, and together, they have developed a Tourism Sector Strategy to enhance the tourism and hospitality industry in Ontario, and to strengthen Ontario's competitive position as a major world travel destination. "We have been involved in developing partnerships and long­ term strategies to support and build the tourism sector, but we have also actively invested in a number of important events and exciting tourist attractions that will generate big revenues throughout the coming year," said Ms Swarbrick. "These events will be big tourist draws and the money that gets spent will ripple outwards and have an impact throughout the community." Ontario is a four-seasons destination. While the summer months traditionally bring large numbers of visitors to the province, the Ministry and its partners have been actively supporting winter tourism initiatives in order to extend the tourist season throughout the year. "People normally think of summer vacations in Ontario, with events like the Marine Heritage Festival in Haliburton, but we've got a lot to offer throughout the year here," Ms Swarbrick said. "In order to help build the tourism industry through the winter months we've been active in developing the SNO- TRAC program which, in partnership with snowmobile clubs, will upgrade and connect Ontario's 35,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails into a province wide trail system." "We are identifying a variety of ways and means to not only bring more people into the province, but to ensure that when they come to Ontario, they have a wonderful experience and great memories to take home with them," Ms Swarbrick said. "That means ensuring that visitors here receive high-quality personal service." To provide visitors with information on what to do and see while they're here, the Ministry operates its toll-free 1-800- Mind your master This was a hard-learned phrase for many dogs taking part in the Bluewater Kennel Club's obedience course in Blyth. Foxy does well staying along side owner Olwen Richmond during the final portion of testing on June 28 at the Blyth and District Community Centre. ONTARIO information line to provide instant updates on events and attractions. The CRIS ONTARIO reservation service, through the 1-800 ONTARIO line, can make reservations at selected tourism facilities in the province. 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