Our National Allied Golf Association (NAGA) released the 2014 Economic Impact Study of Golf in Canada on Tuesday. Highlights include:
- $14.3 Billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), up from $12.2 Billion in 2008
- 300,100 Jobs with as many as 37% of those as students.
- $8.3 Billion in Household Income
- $19.7 Billion in Spending from green fees to equipment and golf related travel.
- $3.6 Billion in Taxes
- $4.1 Billion in Golf Tourism within Canada
Golf’s economic impact in Canada is greater than all participation sports combined, and greater than all performing arts and spectator sports combined, including the NHL.
Allied Golf Association – BC President Trevor Smith comments ” We are very happy with the Economic Impact Study on Golf that has just been released by NAGA. On the surface the numbers seem relatively unchanged between 2008 and 2013. In reality though, the Canadian and British Columbia Golf Industry have recovered from the downward spiral triggered with the Global Economic Crisis in 2008 and after affects thereof. The new economic numbers bring us up to date with reality, the impact golf has on the economy of Canada is undeniable and as well, solidifies our own provincial knowledge that golf in British Columbia plays a substantial economic role”.
Highlights of the British Columbia Golf Industry include:
- $2.08 Billion toward British Columbia’s GDP (1.66 Billion in 2009)
- 44,000 Jobs (47,000 in 2009)
- $1.27 Billion in Household Income (1.14 Billion in 2009)
- $465 Million in Taxes (437 Million in 2009)
- 2nd largest contributor nationally to Ontario (3rd in 2009 to Ontario #1 & AB #2)
Smith continues: “The demonstrated strong economic position the Golf Industry both nationally and provincially assists in our advocacy efforts for the reversal of the Federal Government’ s position on golf-related client expenses in Canada, which have not been eligible for tax rebates since 1971; as well as provincial initiatives toward a delegated authority model, specialty license plates and increased profile and support of BC Golf Tourism through a provincial golf tourism strategy. All in all a very favourable and insightful study!”
