Tourism Matters
We know the ways that travel can impact each of our lives, discovering new places, experiencing new cultures, learning and growing. There is a transformative power to travel, and it matters deeply to many of us.
But tourism plays a huge role right here at home too!
When we talk about Edmonton’s visitor economy, we often share a lot of stats, but our industry is so much more than just numbers. It’s made up of all these unique businesses created by incredible and inspiring individuals.
Their businesses matter. Their stories matter. Tourism Matters.
Fast Facts About Tourism
- In 2023, Explore Edmonton’s total economic impact of attracted, produced and hosted events was $329 million. That includes events like KDays and Edmonton Pro Rodeo, as well as the 48 sport and culture events and 86 business events!
- Corporate travellers coming to Edmonton for business events, which are conventions, conferences and meetings, are one of the highest spending groups of visitors, so having major conferences and business events in our city is vital for growth.
- Bringing business events to Edmonton is one of our major focuses for the coming years.
- When we bring in major events not only does it evoke civic pride by creating a vibrant and dynamic city, but it also creates a compelling argument for augmenting city infrastructure, which in turn benefits all those that live and work here.
- Explore Edmonton’s venues, the Edmonton EXPO Centre and Edmonton Convention Centre play host to hundreds of events a year which draw in Edmontonians and visitors.
- In 2023 the EXPO Centre hosted 376 events and welcomed 1 million visitors. The Edmonton Convention Centre hosted 450 events and welcomed 500,000 visitors.
- The Edmonton Convention Centre was recognized as one of five top performing venues in North America, helping Edmonton secure premier meetings, entertainment and conventions.
- With over 522,000 square feet, the EXPO Centre is the largest venue of its kind in Western Canada, offering flexibility to play host to nearly any event of any size.