Aerial view of Montreal city in autumnCanada's tourism industry is poised for a significant upswing in 2026, with visitor spending expected to hit $140.9 billion, marking a 6% increase from 2025. According to Destination Canada's Canadian Tourism Outlook 2026–2035, this growth is driven by a surge in demand from overseas markets, which are forecast to grow at an annual rate of 9.8% over the next decade—nearly double the pace of the US market.
The Canadian tourism sector, which already ranks among the country's top service exports, supports one in 10 jobs and contributes over $36.4 million daily to communities nationwide. In 2025, the sector generated $133 billion in visitor spending, and this momentum is expected to continue, with total tourism revenue projected to reach $216.3 billion by 2035.
Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada, highlighted the sector's potential, stating, "Tourism is a high-growth export with fast returns. The Canadian Tourism Outlook shows demand is accelerating, and the opportunity for Canada is even greater if we grow global market share and continue attracting more international demand."
The outlook also emphasises the importance of business events, which remain a high-yield opportunity for economic growth. The International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF) has already secured 116 international events for Canada, generating over $800 million in direct economic impact.
Canada's global reputation, ranked first in RepCore Nations 2025, is seen as a competitive advantage, reinforcing its position as a welcoming destination. With tourism projected to contribute significantly to Canada's trade diversification goals, the sector is set to play a crucial role in the country's economic landscape through 2035
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