Canada’s global moment – Image: Destination Canada
Canada’s global popularity for international travellers plus the forthcoming FIFA Soccer World Cup promises a record breaking year 2026 for Canadian tourism. According to the national marketing organization Destination Canada, the forecast for tourism as a high-growth, fast-return, tariff-free service export comes at the ideal moment for Canada.
“Geopolitical and economic uncertainty abound”, says Adam Sacks, President and Founder Tourism Economics in regard to a new 2026 – 2035 Canadian Tourism Outlook-report.
“However, Canadian tourism has proven itself resilient. Canada’s reputation is sterling, reflecting its strong global brand and a compelling Canada, naturally destination marketing platform. As a result, Canada’s tourism sector entered 2026 with clear and sustained momentum and this outlook reflects this”.
Destination Canada’s Canadian Tourism Outlook 2026 – 2035, prepared with Tourism Economics, highlights that demand for Canada as a destination is accelerating. The sector is outperforming expectations.
With the forthcoming FIFA Soccer World Cup, starting with key matches in Vancouver, BC, “the opportunity ahead is bigger than ever”, according to Destination Canada.
The Tourism Outlook gives industry, government and partners a shared, current view of where growth is heading and what it takes to capture it.
Key Report Takeaways Destination Canada
- Canada’s tourism sector is set for banner 2026, boosting the economy with $140.9-billion in projected spending, up 6% from 2025.
- Report forecasts that by 2035 tourism will contribute 9-10% of Canada’s $300 billion trade diversification goal.
- Tourism revenue is projected to reach $216.3 billion by 2035, up 67% from 2024 levels.
- Over the coming decade, revenue from US and other international visitors is forecasted to grow at 7.7% annually.
- Canada’s #1 global reputation ranking presents a competitive advantage at the ideal time
“Canada, naturally” – Image: Andre Furtado/Pexels
Canada’s brand advantage is real, measurable and growing. The Canada, naturally – platform is built to convert that reputation into demand, and the businesses delivering authentic experiences are the ones positioned to capture it.
Tourism is becoming a more powerful future-proof export, a more durable source of community benefit, and a more important driver of Canada’s long-term economic story.
BC/Canada Match Schedule Insights
British Columbia is excited to welcome Australia, Switzerland, Qatar, New Zealand, Egypt, and Belgium to Vancouver along with Team Canada.
- The first World Cup match in Vancouver features Australia on June 13.
- Canada’s two group matches in Vancouver feature Qatar and Switzerland on June 18 and June 24.
- Vancouver’s two Group G matches will feature Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. There is tremendous excitement about a potential game featuring Egypt’s Mohamed Salah who is one of the top goal scorers in the English Premier League and the ensuing attention on BC.
- Portugal is the most likely team to be featured in the Round of 16 match in Vancouver on July 7, but many other possibilities exist.
The year 2026 appears to be truly Canada’s Global Moment, according to Destination Canada.
NAN/DC 28 April 26
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