Case Studies and Testimonials

Tourism Calgary, Special Olympics Canada, and Special Olympics Alberta were proud to celebrate the success of the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, held in Calgary from February 27 to March 2, 2024. The event brought together 1,250 athletes from across Canada to compete in eight sports, including alpine skiing, curling, floor hockey, and speed skating. With the support of 1,500 volunteers and 2,500 spectators, friends, and family, Calgary’s world-class venues and renowned western hospitality created an unforgettable experience.

Athletes, coaches, and mission staff from every province and territory showcased the power of sport, inclusivity, and perseverance. Calgary was honored to host this milestone event, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events and a city that embraces the spirit of competition and community.

The Rogers Charity Classic has been a staple in the Calgary event calendar since 2013. The event is so well executed that it has received the President’s Award as the top event on the PGA TOUR Champions in 2014, 2015, and 2017. Roughly 75 players from around the world compete in the event and are joined by approximately 40,000 spectators, waiting on every swing. Not only does the event provide world-class competition, it has also set a record for charitable giving on the PGA TOUR Champions. Its raised $112 million for over 270 children and youth charities across the province.

Tourism Calgary has been a huge supporter of the Rogers Charity Classic since its inception, helping it become the pillar event that it is. Through funding support, strategic guidance, and marketing expertise Tourism Calgary has contributed to the growth of one of Calgary’s great homegrown events.

The 46th annual Country Music Week of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) was hosted in Calgary. This event meant the city achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the show's most frequent host city, having hosted it a record ten times. This accomplishment can be attributed to the unwavering support of Tourism Calgary, which, coupled with the city's rich country music history and dynamic music infrastructure, has consistently contributed to the success of the CCMA event.

The hosting of the CCMA's Country Music Week is a true testament to the collaborative spirit of the entire city. Throughout Music Week, Calgary came alive with over 60 artists performing in various venues across the city. From captivating songwriters' sessions at Studio Bell to the renowned Legends Show held at the Jack Singer Concert Hall and the lively CCMA House at Calgary Palace Theatre, the entire city actively participated in celebrating its homegrown country music talent.

Tourism Calgary played a pivotal role in shaping the CCMA's host committee, working hand in hand with various partners to ensure the seamless execution of the event. With their extensive local and regional knowledge, Tourism Calgary has established strong relationships with venues, local media outlets, publishers, and industry insiders, enabling them to effectively promote and generate buzz for large-scale cultural events like the CCMA's. As a result, there is an overwhelming sense of optimism for the future, as Calgary continues to establish itself as a go-to destination for world-class music events.

Calgary was thrilled to be the host city for the 2021 Curling Canada Season of Champions, Rogers Grand Slam of Curling, and WCF World Men's and Women's Curling Championships. These seven events took place in a no-fans, bubble environment at the WinSport Event Centre.

The safe and successful execution of the bubble was made possible through close collaboration between Tourism Calgary, Curling Canada, provincial and federal health authorities, The City of Calgary and many of the city's hosting partners

These events brought an estimated $13 million in economic activity to the city during a time when travel continued to lag, while providing an unparalleled opportunity to profile Calgary across the country, keep the city top-of-mind as a post-pandemic travel destination, and reinforced Calgary's reputation as Canada's winter sports capital.