The view from atop Lawson Peak in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis. Peter Lougheed was one of the top two provincial parks for tourism in 2025.--News photo Zoe Mason
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The Alberta economy recorded the highest level of visitor spending in the province’s history in 2025, marking the second straight year of record-setting growth.
Visitors spent a total of $15.2 billion in the province last year, an increase of six per cent year-over-year, almost double the national average for growth.
Tourism in Alberta supports more than 86,000 full-time jobs, accounting for more than 10 per cent of the province’s workforce.
In 2025, the sector experienced a seven per cent increase in new jobs as tourism to the province surged.
“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 Minister of Tourism and Sport Andrew Boitchenko.
While Alberta’s tourism sector experienced notable growth, the rest of the country recorded a decline in international visitors, with five per cent less visiting the country overall last year.
Four per cent more international visitors arrived in Alberta last year.
Alberta’s targeted investments in expanding air access to key overseas markets like Mexico, South Korea and Japan helped boost the province’s global reach.
“Tourism is economic development, and it’s not accident that Alberta continues to lead the pack in growth,” said chief commercial officer of Travel Alberta Jon Mamela.
“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.”
The province is aiming for a goal of $25 billion in annual visitor spending.
President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta Darren Reeder says Alberta’s visitor economy is one of the province’s fastest growing exports.
“This performance proves the growth strategy is working. The net 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.”
