Canada records $28.4 billion in tourism spending during the first quarter of 2026

Friday 14 August 2026 - 16:16

By: Azzat Manal

Canada records $28.4 billion in tourism spending during the first quarter of 2026

Canada’s tourism sector recorded total spending of $28.4 billion during the first quarter of 2026, marking a slight increase of 0.1% compared with the previous quarter, according to data from Statistics Canada.

International visitors contributed significantly to the sector’s performance, with their spending rising by 0.9% to $7.2 billion. Meanwhile, Canadian residents’ domestic tourism spending edged down by 0.2%, reaching $21.2 billion.

Tourism accounted for approximately 1.8% of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) during the quarter and supported around 695,900 jobs, an increase of 0.4% from the previous quarter. Real GDP generated by tourism-related activities also rose by 0.5%.

International travelers represented 25.4% of total tourism spending in Canada during the first quarter. The number of inbound trips increased by 1.4%, supported in particular by a 3.3% rise in arrivals from the United States.

The figures highlight the continued importance of tourism to the Canadian economy. In 2025, Canadian and international visitors spent a combined $140.5 billion across the country, representing annual growth of 2.8%.

Tourism activity accounted for 1.8% of Canada’s GDP in 2025 and directly supported approximately 687,800 jobs, up 1.3% compared with 2024.

The sector also has a broad economic footprint, with around 280,010 businesses operating in tourism-related activities. Its impact extends across more than 70 areas of the Canadian economy, underlining its role in employment, consumer spending and regional economic activity.

The latest quarterly figures suggest that Canada’s tourism industry entered 2026 with relatively stable domestic demand and continued growth in spending by international visitors, particularly travelers arriving from the United States.