Calgary is heading into the summer of 2026 with strong tourism momentum, driven by rising visitor spending and growing demand for experiences across the city, according to new data released by Tourism Calgary.
In the first quarter of 2026, visitor spending in Calgary reached 582 million dollars, marking a 7 per cent increase year over year. The growth builds on a record breaking 2025, when the city welcomed more than 10.5 million visitors and generated 3.3 billion dollars in tourism spending.
A key trend is the rapid growth in recreation and entertainment spending, which rose 44.9 per cent year over year. This increase suggests visitors are not only choosing Calgary as a destination but are also spending more time exploring events, attractions, and cultural experiences.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Calgary, Alisha Reynolds, says the data reflects growing interest in the city. She notes that visitors are staying longer, engaging with more experiences, and discovering what makes Calgary unique.
Domestic travel continues to be the backbone of Calgary’s tourism economy, accounting for 71.9 per cent of total visitor spending in the first quarter of 2026. Spending from domestic travellers increased 4 per cent year over year.
Interprovincial travel also showed strong growth, rising 6.4 per cent year over year. Spending on recreation and entertainment from interprovincial visitors increased by 67 per cent year over year, showing that travellers are investing more in local experiences such as festivals, dining, arts, and entertainment.
International tourism is also expanding. Visitor spending from international markets increased 15.6 per cent year over year, while overseas visitor spending rose 12.2 per cent over the same period. Passenger volumes at Calgary International Airport increased as well, with international traffic up 9.6 per cent year over year. Key markets include London, Tokyo, Vancouver, and Toronto.
Tourism leaders say Calgary benefits from a unique combination of urban experiences, cultural attractions, major events, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, making it an increasingly attractive destination for global travellers.
Looking ahead, Calgary is preparing for a busy summer season. Between May and September, the city is scheduled to host 69 meetings and conventions and 27 major sporting events, bringing more than 150,000 delegates, athletes, and visitors to the city.
Tourism Calgary is also investing in tools to improve how visitors and residents discover events and attractions, with the goal of encouraging longer stays and greater exploration of the city.
Hotel demand for key summer periods is currently tracking ahead of 2025 in many areas of Calgary, signalling strong momentum heading into peak travel season.
Tourism remains a major economic driver for the city, supporting more than 84,000 jobs across Calgary. Local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and event venues are expected to benefit from continued growth in visitation.
Officials say the outlook for the summer season remains strong, with continued growth expected across both domestic and international markets.
