Tourism and Hospitality Opportunities in Alberta
Explore the business opportunities of tourism and hospitality in the scenic locations around Alberta
Home to the Calgary Stampede, Kananaskis, Bow Valley, and more, Alberta is the fourth largest Canadian province and has some of the country’s top destinations that attract people from all over the world.
The sector is flourishing, with an estimated CAGR of 5.4% between 2025-2035 and is expected to be valued at $25B. This interest and growth are a direct result of the province’s breathtaking beauty and the Government of Alberta’s continued dedication to facilitate economic prosperity in tourism. The province’s business-friendly tax environment, reduced red tape, and proximity to major commercial markets, like the Pacific Northwest and neighbouring US states, make it an ideal hub for tourism-related business growth.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
© Travel Alberta. Photo by Mike Seehagel
The travel industry is a central player in Alberta’s economy. In 2024, Alberta welcomed 38.1 million visits. The tourism sector generated $14.4 billion in revenue and accounted for 260,000 jobs in communities throughout the province.
Travel Alberta
Travel Alberta is the Destination Management Organization for Alberta. Its mandate is to drive the growth of the province’s visitor economy, developing and promoting must-visit destinations in all parts of the province. Travel Alberta does this by attracting investment into the tourism sector, supporting the development of tourism products and destinations, and promoting those destinations to the world. Travel Alberta’s Investor Concierge team is ready to support investments and expansions in Alberta’s tourism economy.
All Seasons Resort Act
The All-Season Resorts Act is one of the Government of Alberta’s most recent efforts to facilitate the tourism and hospitality industry in the province. This Act establishes a new regulator for four-season commercial tourism developments in Alberta. Additionally, it creates a new classification of Public Lands zoned specifically for all-season resort developments called All-Season Resort Areas.
The All-Season Resorts Act is designed to strengthen investor confidence and provide regulatory clarity, positioning Alberta’s tourism sector as a premier global destination. This legislative framework offers multinational investors a stable, growth-oriented environment to capitalize on Alberta’s expanding visitor economy.
Connected vacation hubs
With easy global access through two of the largest international airports, Edmonton and Calgary are gateways to Alberta adventures and a connected home base for travellers. The award winning creative culinary and craft brewery scenes in both cities are matched by the breadth of arts and lifestyle activities to explore. More than $3 billion in tourism developments are currently under construction in Alberta, the commitment to grow the sector also invite further growth in accommodations and food services industries.
Travel has become less about collecting social badges and more about experiences that allow us to get beneath the surface, connecting with both ourselves and the places and people we visit. It’s about self-actualization: reaching our full potential and being the best version of ourselves.
Global Citizen ranked Calgary (#1) and Edmonton (#3) the Best Places to Live in Canada.
Viewing deck on top of the Banff Gondola, Banff National Park, Alberta.
Travel Alberta photo by Noel Hendrickson
CASE STUDY
Scandinave Spa
With strategic backing from Travel Alberta and industry partners, the Edmonton spa stands as a landmark investment in the city’s tourism sector—integrating sustainable design with the rising global demand for wellness-focused travel experiences. This project exemplifies Alberta’s commitment to facilitating impactful, future-ready investments for multinational stakeholders in the visitor economy.
CASE STUDY
Skyridge Glamping
Attracted by Alberta’s exceptional natural assets and pro-investment climate, Skyridge Glamping launched one of the province’s first new tourism developments in Kananaskis in over two decades. Supported by Travel Alberta’s expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks, Skyridge set a benchmark for luxury experiences that prioritize environmental stewardship—demonstrating the province’s commitment to facilitating innovative, sustainable tourism investments for global partners.
Global connectivity
Alberta is served by three busy international airports, in Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray
2.3M
Overnight person visits to Alberta Parks camping sites in 2024
26.8M
Passengers to Alberta’s international airports 2024
Economically strong
Alberta enjoys an extremely well-developed tourism economy
38.1M
Total Person Visits (2024)
$14.4B
Tourism expenditures (2024)
$12.1B
Contributed to Alberta’s GDP (Tourism Industry Association, 2024)
260,000
Jobs supported by Tourism-related businesses in Alberta (Travel Alberta, 2024)
2
Alberta is home one of Canada’s national carriers and two of Canada’s ultra-low-cost airlines
Activities and Recreation
Alberta’s tourism industry leverages the province’s breathtaking beauty, diverse landscapes, all-year-round recreational opportunities, and immense potential
Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth
The Calgary Stampede generated over $540 million in economic benefit in 2024
Stunning mountain parks
6.1M visitors to Alberta’s three major national parks (Alberta Economic Dashboard)
Every season is festival season
Edmonton hosts more than 50 festivals every year — in both summer and winter
Outstanding natural beauty
Alberta boasts six of Canada’s 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Sports & entertainment
Edmonton’s Ice District will be one of the largest sports and entertainment districts in the country
Olympic legacy
Alberta is a centre for high performance training and world cup competitions