Study shows 2.5-million visitors to Bruce County spent $300-million in 2018

Bruce County's first Economic Impact of Tourism Report reveals that 2.5-million visitors to the county contributed almost $300-million to the local economy in 2018.

A press release, issued today by county economic development officer Vicki Ly, states that the county has developed a method to measure the economic impact of tourism which is a key driver for the area.

The county received Rural Economic Development funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to develop this standardized and consistent approach, with the goal of addressing current gaps in available data.

The newly-developed framework leverages data from multiple sources, including:
 

• Partnered organizations' existing data (Ontario Parks, Parks Canada, and Ontario Ferries)
• Surveys completed by businesses across Bruce County
• Surveys completed by Bruce County visitors, at various events throughout the peak tourism season
• Surveys completed using a third-party panel

“We now have a way to collect and analyze primary tourism data on an ongoing basis,” said Kara Van Myall, director of planning and development. “This data will be used to better inform business and industry support, and has the potential to foster business growth opportunities.”

The county will publish economic impact reports on an annual basis, to be shared with lower-tier municipalities, current and prospective entrepreneurs, industry partners, and the public.

“This study is a vital resource and emphasizes just how important tourism is to our economy,” said warden Mitch Twolan.

To download the 2018 report, click on: brucecounty.on.ca/business/economic-development-strategy.