Tourism Drives $50.8B Boost to Canada’s GDP in 2024

Tourism remains one of Canada’s strongest economic drivers, contributing $50.8 billion to the country’s GDP in 2024—up 3.6% from the previous year and significantly outpacing the national GDP growth rate of 1.7%.

According to new data released by Destination Canada in collaboration with Statistics Canada, the tourism sector now accounts for 1.8% of Canada's total GDP, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.

“Tourism delivers high growth and fast returns,” the report states, calling it one of Canada’s top growth export opportunities.

The 2024 infographic highlights:

• Tourism export revenue rose 7% year over year (inflation adjusted), reinforcing tourism’s position as Canada’s second-largest services export.

• The sector now generates more GDP than major industries such as mining and automotive manufacturing.

• Tourism supports more than 265,000 businesses in 5,000 communities across the country.

• One in ten workers across the Canadian economy is supported by the tourism industry.

 

In total, tourism activities generated $129.7 billion in revenue last year—equivalent to $350 million per day, a 3.5% increase from 2023 (inflation adjusted).

Looking ahead, Destination Canada forecasts that the sector will continue to outpace broader economic growth over the next five years, in line with the organization’s 2030 strategy.

The full infographic is available through the Canadian Tourism Data Collective.

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