The pandemic significantly disrupted many economic sectors, with tourism being one of the hardest hit.

In May 2019, almost 100,189 non-resident travelers entered Canada via Alberta. In May 2020, the second month after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, this number had dropped to just over 2,000.*

As you can see from the chart below, the voyage back from the pandemic was a long one.

It wasn't until May 2023 that the number of tourists entering Canada via Alberta returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The number of non-resident visitors entering Canada via Alberta over the first five months of 2024 (latest data available) was 14.5% higher than over the same period in 2023.

Following suit, spending by international visitors in 2023 surged 91% above 2022 and 28% higher relative to 2019 levels.

However, the wildfires in Jasper forced thousands of residents and visitors to evacuate in July and significantly disrupted tourism, likely leading to the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of planned visits.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those affected by the wildfires and we will continue to monitor the economic impacts.

*All data in today’s Twenty-Four have been adjusted for seasonal variation.

Answer to the previous trivia question: Five provincial capitals are also the largest city in their province: Winnipeg, Toronto, Halifax, Charlottetown, and St. John’s.

Today’s trivia question: Which of Canada’s three northern territories has the largest population?