Tourism is one of Alberta’s key industries and a growing contributor to the provincial economy, generating more than 34 million visits and more than $8 billion in annual tourism expenditures.
Our spectacular surroundings, strong economy, business-friendly environment, and commitment to growing our tourism sector, makes Alberta an ideal place to invest. The Government of Alberta offers investors access to resources, programs and services as they look to develop new and enhanced tourism experiences and destinations.
Become a part of Alberta’s thriving tourism industry
Iconic, Diverse Destinations and Experiences that Attract Millions
Alberta is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Our province is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the world-renowned Jasper, Banff and Waterton Lakes national parks. Visitors are drawn to Alberta’s diverse landscape, which ranges from rugged mountains and picturesque foothills to the spectacular Badlands in the south and majestic forests in the north.
Alberta is also well known for its festivals and events such as the Calgary Stampede and Edmonton International Fringe Festival, and offers a diversity of attractions, including the Royal Tyrell Museum, one of the world’s best dinosaur museums, and West Edmonton Mall, North America’s largest mall.
Population on the Rise
The provinces’ young, growing and multicultural population of 4.4 million people with a high disposable income, creates opportunities for tourism operators from around the world to invest, set up their business, grow and succeed in Alberta.
Vibrant Cities and Modern Infrastructure
Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta’s two major cities, have metro populations in excess of one million people.
The province is supported by modern and well-maintained transportation infrastructure, including an extensive highway system that extends throughout the entire province and international airports located in Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray.
Alberta’s international airports reach major cities in North America, Europe and Asia, bringing visitors from the U.S., Mexico, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Japan and China.
2019 Tourism Expenditure and Visitation in Alberta by Market
| Country | Tourism Expenditure | Person-visits |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $5.9B | 32.4M |
| United States | $991M | 1.2M |
| United Kingdom | $200M | 187,000 |
| China | $188M | 118,000 |
| Japan | $56M | 42,000 |
| Australia | $141M | 106,000 |
| Germany | $114M | 118,000 |
| South Korea* | $59M | 52,000 |
| The Netherlands | $45M | 43,000 |
| Mexico* | $22M | 34,000 |
*Small sample size. Data contain a high margin of error and are subject to significant year-over-year fluctuations.
Source: Statistics Canada, Visitor Travel Survey and National Travel Survey
Explore More
Publication
Alberta Tourism Market Monitor
The monthly Alberta Tourism Market Monitor highlights travel, accommodation and attendance statistics.
Publication
Alberta Tourism Industry Research
Access to Alberta Accommodation Outlook, domestic potential studies, PRIZM and Global Tourism Watch.
Publication
Alberta Visitor Profiles
Visitor profiles measure the size and status of Alberta’s tourism industry.
Organization
Alberta Economic Development, Trade and Tourism
Alberta’s Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism leads the government’s economic development efforts, supports businesses and investors and promotes Alberta’s tourism industry.
