Government Websites
In this section we have gathered some of the most reliable freely available online government and employment websites for you to use in your research.
Canadian Websites
BC Stats | Current reports and statistics from British Columbia's central statistical agency including labour market information, economic statistics and bankruptcies. Start by searching their Industry section and narrowing by industry type or go to the Business, Industry & Trade page to skim all the different business-related topics.
Government of Canada - Business and Industry | The Government of Canada's comprehensive page for business and industry guides you through important information on starting a business. You will find necessary permits and information on tax and regulation, as well as advice on how to protect your intellectual property through copyright or trademark, a primer for selling to the federal government, information on importing and exporting goods, and advice on managing and protecting your business operations.
- Starting a business
- Overview of federal government Services for Small Business
- The Canadian Tourism Sector
Statistics Canada Data | Formerly known as CANSIM, Statistics Canada's key socioeconomic database is updated daily. It is free to search the data tables.
- Travel and tourism statistics
- Tourism demand in Canada, current prices
- Supply of tourism commodities, constant prices (x1,000,000)
- Supply of tourism commodities, current prices (x1,000,000)
- Employment generated by tourism (x1,000)
- Tourism demand, implicit price indexes, seasonally adjusted
- Provincial and territorial gross domestic product (GDP) and employment generated by tourism and related measures (x 1,000,000)
- Canadian Tourism Activity Tracker and Grouped Data Sources
- Tourism demand in Canada, constant prices (x 1,000,00
Canadian Industry Statistics (CIS) - Industry Canada | CIS analyses industry data on many economic indicators using the most recent data from Statistics Canada. CIS looks at industry trends and financial information, such as GDP, Labour Productivity, Manufacturing and Trade data.
- Scenic and sightseeing transportation - 487
- Travel arrangement and reservation services - 5615
- Travel agencies - 56151
- Tour operators - 56152
- Other travel arrangement and reservation services - 56159
City of Vancouver’s Open Data Portal
How to access: The guide can be viewed through the link above and is free to use.
The Government of Canada routinely collects vast quantities and kinds of information on a diverse spectrum of topics. Now the City of Vancouver is making this information available to the public in a single concise searchable portal called Open Data 101. This data is accessible to the public and structured in an easy to understand format.
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
Provides market research, industry statistics, licensing information for intellectual property, and information about doing business internationally. The Industry Canada site features interactive applications such as customizable trade reports, cost calculators, and online business planning guides. You can also search broad Canadian industry statistics.
The Daily - Statistics Canada
The premier source for Canadian statistical information, including census information. Search 'The Daily' releases by subject to identify corresponding census tables, latest news, and publications. Similarly, you can browse by data source, including surveys & questionnaires relevant to your market research, which also link to census tables, latest news and publications.
- Travel between Canada and other countries, November 2022
- Leading indicator of international arrivals to Canada, December 2022
- National tourism indicators, third quarter 2022
- Canadian Tourism Activity Tracker, October 2022
- Travel arrangement services, 2021
WorkBC | Find current employment outlooks, labour market information, relevant links, and a geographic representation of the BC workforce. Start by searching your Industry Profile.
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisor NOC 6313)
- Travel counsellors (NOC 6521)
- Tour and travel guides (NOC 6531)
- Support occupations in accommodation, travel and facilities set-up services (NOC 6721)
US & International Websites
Small Business Administration: Free Small Business Data
This site is created and managed by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and provides a list of free sources of information that you can use to obtain data about markets in the US.
US International Trade Administration: National Travel and Tourism Office | The National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) provides statistics in travel and tourism as well as coordinates efforts across US federal agencies through the Tourism Policy Council. Be sure to also look at the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) which serves as the advisory body to the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the travel and tourism industry in the United States.
United Nations World Tourism Organization | This specialized agency of the United Nations promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. It offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.