Alberta visitor spending hit a record $15.2 billion in 2025 – proving Alberta’s tourism strategy is helping expand access and driving economic growth, says the Government of Alberta.
In 2025, Alberta’s visitor economy had another record-breaking year, with the highest level of visitor spending in provincial history. For a second consecutive year, visitor spending saw record-setting growth, increasing six per cent year-over-year and almost doubling the national average for growth, it explained.
“This success is felt in communities across the province; that means stronger businesses, more jobs and new opportunities for Albertans.
Behind this momentum is Alberta’s tourism strategy, laying out a bold vision to grow the visitor economy and diversify the province’s economic base,” said the government.
“The economic impact goes beyond spending. Tourism in Alberta supports over 86,000 full-time jobs, accounting for more than 10 per cent of the province’s workforce. The sector has experienced a seven per cent increase in new jobs, driven by more visitors staying in local hotels, dining at restaurants, shopping and booking experiences with tour operators and attractions.”
“These record-breaking results show that Alberta’s tourism strategy is working. By investing in our destinations, strengthening partnerships and expanding air access, we are growing our economy, creating jobs and showcasing Alberta to the world,” said Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport.
The Alberta government said Statistics Canada data shows Alberta was one of the only provinces in Canada to record growth in international visitors, with a four per cent increase, while Canada overall saw a five per cent decline. Expanded air access to key overseas markets like Mexico, South Korea and Japan, paired with strategic investment and emerging destinations, has boosted Alberta’s global reach and reinforced its reputation as the top choice for visitors seeking authentic, world-class experiences.
“Tourism is economic development, and it’s no accident that Alberta continues to lead the pack in growth. Our strategic investments to grow the visitor economy – leveraging the Alberta brand, expanding air access, and unlocking private investment in world-class experiences – are behind these outstanding results,” said Jon Mamela, chief commercial officer, Travel Alberta.
The province’s goal is to hit $25 billion in annual visitor spending.
“It’s official! Alberta’s visitor economy is one of our fastest-growing exports, punching in at a record $15.2 billion and outpacing the national trend. This performance proves the growth strategy is working. The next step: a whole-of-government approach that clears regional investment bottlenecks and scales up the funding tools we already know work, so tourism can drive Alberta’s economic flywheel all the way to $25 billion and beyond,” said Darren Reeder, president and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Alberta.
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