With economic environments stabilizing around the globe, a November 2010 survey shows that Manitoba's tourism industry shares the optimism for growth that is fuelling the continuing rebound of tourism world-wide.

Current sales outlooks are notably more positive than in the previous two years. In 2008 and 2009, roughly one quarter of survey participants expected fewer sales compared to the previous year. Of the industry participants in this year's survey, only 15% expect fewer sales than the previous year, while 47% expect about the same and 38% expect more sales. And those expecting more sales are anticipating a 6% increase, a sharp turnaround from 2009 when participants anticipated a -3% change in sales.

When asked if Manitoba's tourism industry will gain momentum, stay the same or lose momentum over the next two years, 50% of industry respondents feel the industry will gain momentum. This number is up from previous years, with 37% in 2009 and just 23% in 2008 who felt the industry would gain momentum. Only 11% of survey participants expect Manitoba's tourism industry to lose momentum, down significantly from 2008 (36%) and 2009 (23%), reinforcing the increased optimism felt by the industry.

Half of the industry members who participated in the survey mentioned Manitoba first as a market for potential growth, indicating that increasing tourism within the province is top of mind for many. Other high volume markets seen as key for growth include Saskatchewan, Ontario, North Dakota and Minnesota.

As Travel Manitoba continues to increase its international marketing efforts, 51% of industry respondents identified international markets as potential growth markets for their own businesses. Germany, the U.K. and China were seen as the top potential growth markets for Manitoba tourism businesses.