Calgary Positioned for Strong Summer Season as Tourism Momentum Continues
Bow River (Credit: Heather Friesen)
Tourism Calgary shares strong demand indicators and growth initiatives ahead of summer
June 4, 2026 (Calgary, AB) – Calgary is heading into the summer season with strong tourism momentum, as new data shows visitors are spending more time – and more money – experiencing the city. Visitor spending, particularly on recreation and entertainment, is growing well ahead of overall tourism growth, signalling Calgary’s increasing appeal as a destination. In Q1 2026, visitor spending in Calgary reached $582 million, up 7 per cent year-over-year, building on a record-breaking 2025 that saw Calgary welcome more than 10.5 million visitors and generate $3.3 billion in visitor spending. The growth reflects strong momentum across both domestic and international travel markets, with domestic travel continuing to drive the majority of Calgary’s visitor economy and international visitor spending increasing 15.6 per cent year-over-year in Q1 2026.
What stands out most is recreation and entertainment spending, which surged 44.9 per cent year-over-year and dramatically outpaced overall tourism growth, signalling visitors are not only coming to Calgary, but spending more time exploring the city’s events, attractions and experiences while they are here.
“The data tells us visitors are increasingly choosing Calgary as a destination,” said Alisha Reynolds, President and CEO of Tourism Calgary. “People are staying longer, engaging with more experiences and spending more time exploring what makes our city unique. Combined with a strong calendar of festivals, events and attractions, we’re heading into the summer season with tremendous momentum.”
Calgary Well Positioned as Canadians Choose Domestic Travel
Tourism Calgary continues to see strong momentum in domestic and regional travel demand, which accounted for 71.9 per cent of total visitor spending in Q1 2026 and increased 4 per cent year-over-year. The trend reinforces the fact that Canadians are increasingly choosing to travel closer to home, stay longer and explore more of Canada. Current travel sentiment shows 83 per cent of Canadians are likely to take an overnight leisure trip within Canada in the next year or two.
Calgary is well-positioned to benefit from that shift as travellers seek destinations that combine urban experiences, major events, culture, outdoor adventure and access to the Rockies within one trip. Inter-provincial visitor spending increased 6.4 per cent year-over-year in Q1 2026, reinforcing growing demand from travellers exploring more of Canada. Recreation and entertainment spending from inter-provincial visitors also surged 67 per cent year-over-year, indicating travellers are spending more time experiencing the city’s festivals, attractions, restaurants, arts and entertainment offerings before continuing on to other destinations.
International Interest in Calgary Continues to Grow
Recent travel data shows strong interest from key international and domestic gateway markets, including London, Tokyo, Vancouver and Toronto, reinforcing Calgary’s expanding air connectivity and increasing profile among global travellers. International visitor spending increased 15.6 per cent year-over-year in Q1 2026, while overseas visitor spending increased 12.2 per cent over the same period.
Passenger volumes through YYC Calgary International Airport also continued to trend upward in Q1 2026, with international passenger growth up 9.6 per cent year-over-year. The data suggests international travellers are increasingly spending more time and money in Calgary as part of longer Canadian travel itineraries.
“People crave authentic, meaningful experiences and opportunities to genuinely connect,” said Reynolds. “Calgary offers something few destinations can: a vibrant urban experience alongside major events, arts and culture, Indigenous experiences, culinary offerings, outdoor adventure and easy access to the Rockies.”
Busy Summer Events Calendar Expected to Drive Continued Growth
With a packed summer ahead, Tourism Calgary continues to invest in initiatives designed to strengthen Calgary’s global connectivity, encourage longer stays and help visitors discover more of what the city and region have to offer.
Work is also underway to enhance Tourism Calgary’s event and experience discoverability tools, making it easier for visitors and locals alike to explore Calgary’s growing calendar of festivals, major events, attractions and year-round experiences.
A strong calendar of meetings, conventions, festivals and sporting events is expected to continue driving visitation and economic activity throughout the summer and fall. Between May and September, Calgary is set to host 69 meetings and conventions and 27 major sporting events, bringing more than 150,000 delegates, athletes and visitors to the city for both first-time experiences and welcomed return visits.
Notable highlights shared include:
Visitor spending in Calgary reached $581.9 million in Q1 2026, up 7.0 per cent year-over-year
Domestic travel, which accounted for 71.9 per cent of total visitor spending in Q1 2026, increased 4 per cent year-over-year
International visitor spending increased 15.6 per cent year-over-year, with overseas visitor spending up 12.2 per cent
Recreation and entertainment spending surged 44.9 per cent year-over-year, significantly outpacing overall tourism growth
Recreation and entertainment spending from inter-provincial visitors increased 67 per cent year-over-year, reinforcing Calgary’s growing appeal as a destination for experiences and events
Calgary welcomed a record 10.5 million visitors in 2025, generating $3.3 billion in visitor spending
Tourism supports more than 84,000 jobs across Calgary
Hotel pacing for key summer periods is currently tracking ahead of 2025 in many areas of the city
Between May and September, Calgary is expected to host 69 meetings and conventions and 27 major sporting events
“Calgary’s visitor economy is creating opportunities across the city, and people are taking notice,” said Reynolds. “From local businesses and attractions to hotels, restaurants and event venues, the benefits of tourism are being felt across communities, and we’re seeing strong indicators that this growth will continue through the summer and beyond.”
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About Tourism Calgary
Tourism Calgary is the destination management organization that enthusiastically shares and promotes the story of our friendly Blue Sky City to those near and far. We think big - like, Canadian Rocky Mountain big - using our sales and marketing expertise to drive an annual visitor spend of over $3.3B for the local economy and advocating for our growing tourism sector, which includes 84,000 Calgarians employed in the industry. From conventions to leisure travel, sports events to music and arts, Tourism Calgary represents the city's diverse and unexpected experiences, extending our welcoming hospitality to the over 10 million people who visit Calgary every year. Go to visitcalgary.com for more details.
Media Contact:
Gracie Curlock, Communications Specialist
(403) 809.1457 | [email protected]