Canada has a burgeoning horse racing industry that contributes billions of dollars in revenue each year to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Many other horse racing-related activities are also helping to create employment opportunities and boost local and provincial economies.
Here is a look at the economic and cultural impact that horse racing events are having on Canada’s tourism industry.
How does the cultural and economic impact of horse racing shape Canada’s tourism industry?
Globally renowned horse races that take place in Canada each year, such as the King’s Plate in August at the Woodbine racecourse, the Prince of Wales Stakes in September at the Fort Erie racecourse and the Breeders’ Stakes in October at Woodbine, are a major factor in increasing tourism.
These three iconic Canadian horse racing events and countless others not only attract local spectators but also hundreds of thousands of visitors from much further afield. Many supporters who come to watch these races live in person are visiting from abroad to witness these spectacles unfold.
The annual arrival of horse racing enthusiasts from across Canada and beyond who come to attend these meetings has a direct impact on local industries and businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and entertainment venues.
Canada’s most notable horse racing events are typically organized by local authorities, businesses and communities to create vibrant and inclusive atmospheres, interesting days out for those who attend the meetings, and memories that often last a lifetime.
Which other horse racing-related industries have helped Canada’s tourism industry grow?
People who cannot attend horse racing meetings in person can turn to other sectors of the digital entertainment sphere to watch the races live and bet on them from almost anywhere thanks to modern technology.
Depending on which province they live in, anyone who meets the legal minimum age and has an internet-connected PC, smart TV or mobile device can stream live horse racing events. They can also place pre-match and live bets on a handful of licensed online sportsbooks.
These two horse racing-related industries, broadcasting and iGaming, have also given Canada’s tourism industry a boost. Other key technological innovations that have played a big role in its growth include:
- Faster internet speeds
- Enhanced cybersecurity
- Live streaming capabilities
- Cloud gaming and computing
Additionally, far more dynamic, responsive, efficient, intuitive, highly functional and user-friendly websites and web browsers have made Canadian horse racing events more accessible to the masses than ever.
The ability to watch horse races live and bet on them in real time at licensed sportsbooks has made these events more engaging and has helped attract foreign tourists who prefer to watch them in person at the racecourse after seeing them on TV.
When engaging with horse racing remotely, fans who watch these events online should turn to trusted sports broadcasting platforms, and those who choose to bet on any of these major Canadian horse racing events should stick to betting at online sportsbooks that are fully licensed and regulated to operate in Canada.
Canadian horse racing helps bring together diverse groups of people and fosters a sense of community among racing enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds through these shared experiences.
Preserving Canada’s horse racing heritage
Horse racing is a part of Canada’s identity and has been for well over a century. The cultural and economic impact of Canadian Thoroughbred horse racing on the nation’s tourism sector is multi-faceted, combining tradition, community and commerce.
Although the horse racing and tourism sectors will likely face many challenges in the future, continued support from local communities and the government will help preserve both industries for many more generations to come.
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