Destination Canada and partners recently showcased Canada’s tourism investment opportunity to an international audience of investors and media at MIPIM 2026, the world’s leading real estate and investor event in Cannes, France, which attracts more than 20,000 delegates from 90 countries representing over $6.3 trillion (€4T) in assets.
Destination Canada is a Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada.
A 30-member ‘Team Canada’ delegation representing destinations and organizations from Vancouver, Tahltan, Kamloops, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto and the Cape Breton region met with global investors and developers throughout the event to advance opportunities in accommodations, infrastructure, mixed-use developments and regenerative tourism experiences across the country.
Momentum from Canada’s strong reputation and growing global interest made this the right time for ‘Team Canada’ to show up. As competition intensifies globally for investment and visitor demand, MIPIM provided a platform to position Canada’s tourism sector as a compelling opportunity for international capital, said the organization.
“Canada’s Moment continues,” said Gracen Chungath, Senior Vice President, Investment and Destination Development, Destination Canada. “The level of interest in Canada from investors and media across the real estate, hospitality and mixed-use sectors at MIPIM exceeded our expectations.”
Destination Canada said the country’s tourism outlook is strong. Tourism is a high growth export, with fast returns. The sector is poised to be a major contributor to Canada’s goal to double non-US export growth, adding $300 billion (€185B) by 2035. As one of Canada’s largest export services sectors, tourism can generate 8-10% of Canada’s $300 billion (€185B) target. And it’s tariff-free.
Tourism is projected to grow at more than twice the rate of the broader Canadian economy, with $134 billion (€83B) in projected revenue by the end of 2025. We expect annual revenues to grow to $178 billion (€110B) by 2030, a goal that will require significant investment in new tourism assets and infrastructure, it said.
“The collective approach we took at MIPIM across jurisdictions, levels of government and the public and private sectors will continue to guide this work,” said Chungath. “That approach will help reinforce investor confidence and create long-term opportunities that support tourism development and grow Indigenous tourism across Canada.”
The onsite MIPIM Awards also recognized excellence in Canadian projects, including Toronto’s The Well, which was named a finalist in the mixed-use development category. The nomination highlighted how investors can participate in Canada’s growth through projects that bring together food, retail, culture and commerce to create vibrant destinations that benefit communities and the broader economy, added Destination Canada.
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