Statscan - Despite a decline in American visitors to Canada and a stronger Canadian dollar, Canada's traveller accommodation industry posted another strong economic performance in 2006.

Establishments in the industry generated operating revenues of $15.2 billion, up 7.1% from 2005.

At the same time, the industry's operating expenses increased at a slower pace than operating revenues. As a result, its operating profit margin rose from 15.4% in 2005 to 17.6% in 2006.

All types of accommodation providers generated higher profit margins in every province and territory, ranging from 11% in Yukon to 27% in Alberta.

Revenues in the hotels and motels sector, the largest in the industry, increased 6% over 2005 to $13.1 billion. This sector accounted for 86% of total accommodation revenues.

Revenues in the "other traveller" accommodation sector, which consists mainly of campgrounds and outfitters, increased 15%.

Data for the 2006 traveller accommodation industry (North American Industry Classification System industry category 721, which includes hotels and motor hotels, motels and other accommodation industries) are now available. These data provide information on the industry's operating revenue, operating expenses, salaries, wages and benefits and operating profit margins. Data for 2005 and 2004 have been revised to reflect more accurate coverage of the target population for this industry.