Tourexpi
This
would mark an all-time high and reinforce the sector’s growing role in Canada’s
economic landscape.
The
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) also projects that the industry
will support 1.8 million jobs this year—another major milestone confirming
tourism as a key pillar of Canadian employment.
However,
despite these encouraging figures, the WTTC cautions that shifting global
dynamics and evolving travel patterns mean Canada must remain agile to protect
its growth trajectory.
Domestic
demand stays strong, but international recovery remains uneven
The
domestic market continues to provide a solid foundation for Canadian tourism.
In 2025, domestic visitor spending is expected to approach $104 billion—an 8.3%
increase over the previous year.
International
visitor spending is projected to reach $34 billion, just 2.9% below
pre-pandemic levels. While this still lags behind some other major destinations
that have already surpassed 2019 figures, the 17.5% year-on-year growth shows a
strong recovery trend.
Julia
Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC, stated:
“Canada’s
travel and tourism sector continues to shine globally. With record-breaking
economic impact, strong job creation, and a robust domestic base, the country
shows how resilient and adaptable its tourism industry can be.
But
vigilance is key—international demand is shifting, and growth from key inbound
markets is fragile. Now is the time to double down on smart marketing, seamless
travel experiences, and long-term investment in the visitor economy.”
Growing
uncertainty in cross-border travel
The
close relationship between Canada and the U.S. remains central to the country’s
tourism landscape. In 2024, 71% of international arrivals came from the U.S.,
and over half of outbound Canadian travel headed in the same direction.
However,
recent political tensions and shifting public sentiment could alter that
balance. A cooling in Canadian attitudes toward U.S. travel may lead to more
Canadians looking to destinations beyond their southern neighbor. At the same
time, inbound interest from U.S. visitors and international tourists seeking
multi-country North American trips may decline.
Recent
Statistics Canada data reflects this trend: U.S. air arrivals to Canada dipped
in February and April 2025, with only a slight increase in March. Land border
crossings declined in all three months, falling more than 10% in March and
April—a potentially worrying sign for Canada’s most important source market.
2024
in review
In
2024, the sector added nearly $169 billion to Canada’s GDP and supported 1.7
million jobs. Domestic travel spending totaled $95.7 billion, while
international spending reached $28.9 billion.
These
figures highlight a strong base but also underline the need for continued
efforts to attract international travelers through effective policy, marketing,
and investment.
Outlook
to 2035
Looking
further ahead, WTTC forecasts that Canada’s travel and tourism industry will
contribute $233.5 billion to the economy by 2035—around 6.3% of national
GDP—and support over 2.1 million jobs.
International
visitor spending is projected to hit $40 billion, with domestic spending
exceeding $132 billion. These projections point to significant long-term
potential if the sector continues to embrace sustainable growth and global
competitiveness.
For
more details and access to the full factsheet, including WTTC’s latest
Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit the WTTC Research Hub.
Image
Credit: © AA
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