Things are looking up for the province’s tourism industry as the Government of Alberta continues to support tourism growth.
Alberta saw $10.7 billion in tourism spending in 2022, a figure that sits at a $600 million increase from 2019 levels before the pandemic.
That growth, the province announced, is evidence that Alberta’s tourism economy has made a full recovery after the downturn, with all tourism and hospitality providers throughout the province playing key roles in that recovery and growth.
“Alberta’s government remains committed to fostering growth, innovation and sustainability within the tourism landscape, which results in a strong and resilient provincial tourism industry that continues to be a key player in driving our economy now and in the future,” said Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow during a provincial announcement from Calgary on Tuesday afternoon.
The government is committed to continuing to invest in diverse tourism destinations, revitalizing communities, generating jobs and supporting businesses across the province. Alberta’s tourism sector now employs more than 220,000 people.
Travel Alberta’s Tourism Investment Program invested more than $20 million to support tourism growth across the province last year alone. Those funds foster local economic growth by supporting rural development and cultural events and festivals, while also working to speed up the launch of new tourism developments.
In the 2023-24 period, Travel Alberta has committed to funding projects in more than 70 communities with more than 75 per cent of that financial support working to grow tourism in smaller urban and rural areas of the province.
“These investments support our province’s entrepreneurs who are creating world-class experiences that inspire travellers to choose Alberta and bring the benefits of tourism to communities in all regions of the province,” said Jon Mamela, chief commercial officer for Travel Alberta in a prepared press release on the announcement.