Alberta became an even more popular tourist destination in 2024.
Last month, Statistics Canada released data that indicated visitors in Alberta surpassed the province’s previous record of $12.8 billion in 2023 by 12 per cent. According to the Alberta Government, "the growth is driven by significant international and steady domestic travel by Canadians even in the face of economic uncertainties."
“Alberta’s visitor economy is thriving, thanks to the bold investments in developing and promoting world-class destinations, hard work and commitment from partners across the province, and an unwavering belief in the power of the visitor economy to drive long-term prosperity," said Tannis Gaffney, chief marketing officer, Travel Alberta.
"We look forward to continuing this great momentum, with tourism growth that’s outpacing other provinces across the country.”
Stats Can also said that tourism expenditures in Alberta grew at four times the national average, over B.C. (2.5 per cent), Ontario (-2.3 per cent), and Québec (seven per cent).
The Alberta Government said this growth is the first step in a plan to grow Alberta’s visitor economy from $10 billion a year to $25 billion annually by 2035 while creating jobs and economic opportunity for all regions of the province.
The province said that last year alone, the tourism industry supported more than 85,000 jobs in Alberta.
“There’s no better time than now to experience Alberta," said Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport.
"I’m proud of the work our government has done to showcase our province as a must-see world-class tourism destination. Visitors spent a record-breaking $14.4 billion in our province and I think these latest numbers prove that the world wants more Alberta.”
