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Barometer Report Highlights It was another year of good news for our country. Canada's economy in 2012 benefitted from growth in resource prices, a stable national economy, low interest rates and a strong currency. Winnipeg's economy continued to be characterized as stable with moderate growth, and is forecasted to perform the same in 2013. The Conference Board of Canada recently stated Winnipeg is expected to rank highest in increased overnight visits in 2014 across all Canadian cities. Winnipeg continues to experience unprecedented new investment in attractions, infrastructure and master transportation planning and riverfront development. New developments include: the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, new retailers IKEA and Target, considerable revitalization to mixed use real estate downtown, significant repositioning of one of North America's largest urban green spaces—Assiniboine Park, the new Investors Group Field football stadium, the expansion of the Winnipeg Convention Centre, construction of 10 new hotels, a $6.5 million refresh at Union Station, and the creation of Upper Fort Garry Heritage Park. These significant advances and growth will strengthen Winnipeg's tourism product offering and help boost visitation. Overall, Winnipeg's travel market continues to have positive growth thanks to Manitoba's highly diversified and growing economy. The growing economy is derived from nine key sectors in Manitoba. With continued moderate growth forecasted for Manitoba's economy, this positive influencer will help to support further stable growth for Winnipeg's tourism sector. Chantal Sturk-Nadeau Marina James Senior Vice-President President & CEO Tourism Winnipeg Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. The Winnipeg Barometer Report | Volume 4, 2013 3