Canada’s Journey & Tourism sector is forecast to contribute virtually $183BN to the economic system in 2025, setting a brand new file and persevering with the nation’s spectacular development streak, in accordance with new information from the World Journey & Tourism Council (WTTC).
WTTC’s newest Financial Affect Analysis (EIR) reveals that the sector can be set to assist 1.8MN jobs this yr. This represents a serious milestone that cements tourism’s position as a pillar of the Canadian labour market and displays a continued power within the sector.
However whereas the general image is optimistic, WTTC warns that world dynamics are shifting, and Canada might want to stay proactive to retain momentum as worldwide journey patterns are evolving.
Home Progress Holds Regular however Worldwide Stream is in Flux
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Canada’s tourism economic system has benefitted from a secure and rising home market. In 2025, home customer spending is projected to achieve almost $104BN, greater than double the year-on-year development final yr (8.3%).
Worldwide customer spending is continuous to get well, forecast to hit $34BN, simply 2.9% beneath 2019 ranges. Though nonetheless behind when different main locations are already exceeding their pre-pandemic ranges, it’s gaining floor quick with predicted year-on-year development of 17.5%.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, mentioned “Canada’s Journey & Tourism sector continues to be a vivid spot within the world economic system. With file financial contribution, job creation, and a powerful home base, the nation is proving simply how resilient and adaptable its sector might be.
“However Canada should stay vigilant. Journey patterns are shifting, and inbound development from key markets stays delicate. That is the time to put money into good advertising, frictionless entry, and customer expertise to guard that momentum.”
Altering Winds for Canadian Travellers
Crucially, 71% of Canada’s inbound arrivals in 2024 got here from the USA, and 52% of outbound journey by Canadians went the identical course. However that deep reliance on one market could also be underneath pressure. With Canadian sentiment cooling amid U.S. political rhetoric and coverage friction, there are early indicators that Canadians are starting to look additional afield.
Guests from the U.S. might see a discount attributable to present political variations between the 2 nations and see much less journey to Canada from worldwide guests to North America, hoping to go to each nations in the identical go to.
In accordance with information from Statistics Canada, flight arrivals from the U.S. to Canada had been down in February and April this yr, with a slight improve in March. Land arrivals had been down in all three months, and greater than 10% beneath in March and April. This downward pattern signifies a regarding sample of decline from Canada’s high supply market.
2024 in Assessment
Final yr, the sector contributed slightly below $169BN to Canada’s economic system and supported 1.7MN jobs.
Home customer spending reached $95.7BN, whereas worldwide customer spending totalled $28.9BN.
The information displays a powerful basis
but additionally highlights that additional development, notably in worldwide markets, should be nurtured with strategic coverage and funding.
Wanting Forward to 2035
WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Canada’s Journey & Tourism sector will contribute $233.5BN to the nationwide economic system, 6.3% of GDP, and assist greater than 2.1MN jobs.
Worldwide customer spending is projected to achieve $40BN, with home spending forecast to surge to over $132BN, reinforcing Canada’s long-term alternative if the sector continues to put money into sustainable development and world competitiveness.
