As summer heads into full swing around the country, thousands of Canadians are heading off on their summer vacations. Many of them will fly through their local airport, but few will give much thought to just how important tourism and aviation play for their community.

There is no doubt that Canada is a flying nation. We may have one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world but with the world’s second largest land mass, any trip outside your local region requires hopping onboard an aircraft. That makes our aviation sector very important indeed to our nation. It connects Canadians with family and business opportunities, and it connects our country with the world.

Tourism is a $74.8 billion industry in Canada. That’s bigger than the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors combined, with hundreds of thousands of Canadians employed across the country in tourism related jobs. Foreign travellers made more than 7 million visits to Canada by air last year, bringing valuable foreign money for our hotels, restaurants, parks and other attractions.

Aviation also facilitates trade. Canada is a trading nation. Whether one lives in a small, remote community or a major metropolitan center, Canadians are directly impacted by the business connections Canadians have built up around the globe. It is difficult to imagine how this trade could be possible if it were not for aviation.

As a result, Canada’s aviation sector is an economic engine in its own right. Did you know that the night time cargo activity at Winnipeg airport supports about 565 jobs and almost $14 million in labour income? All while most Manitobans are fast asleep. In fact, nationally airports are responsible for some $45 billion in economic output and 200,000 direct jobs.

So do us a favour. As you travel around our great nation this summer, take a minute to appreciate your local airport. We are not only connecting you with friends and family, we’re connecting you with the world.

Jim Facette is president and CEO of the Canadian Airports Council. The CAC is the voice of 46 members that include 180 Canadian airports, including all major airports and most regional airports. CAC’s Manitoba membership includes Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.