Sunday, September 15, 2024 A bustling summer travel season, combined with a record-shattering Calgary Stampede, has led to a remarkable surge in international tourism to Calgary. Tourism Calgary has unveiled impressive figures, revealing that approximately 8.7 million visitors are expected to pass through the city by the end of the year.
This influx of tourists is projected to contribute a staggering $3.2 billion to the local economy. A significant portion of this economic boost stems from a 17% surge in international visitors, with a large number arriving from key markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and Mexico.
Many of these overseas travelers experienced the excitement of the Calgary Stampede, which celebrated a milestone by breaking its all-time attendance record, welcoming an astounding 1,477,953 guests. Despite the surge in international tourism, Tourism Calgary’s vice-president of marketing, Jeff Hesselc, noted that domestic travel hasn’t kept pace with the international growth. This signals a potential area of focus as the city looks to further bolster its tourism sector.
Looking ahead, Calgary’s tourism industry is also setting its sights on extending the travel season. Efforts are being made to attract more visitors during the typically quieter spring and fall months. The upcoming expansion of the BMO Centre is expected to play a key role in these efforts, offering a state-of-the-art venue that will help draw more events and tourists beyond the summer season.
In addition to its iconic summer attractions, Calgary aims to diversify its appeal by promoting lesser-known gems and cultural events during the shoulder seasons. This strategy, combined with an ever-growing slate of events and infrastructure investments like the BMO Centre, positions the city as a year-round destination for both domestic and international travelers. The goal is to ensure that Calgary continues to thrive beyond peak tourism periods, driving economic growth and fostering a more vibrant, connected community.
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