Destination Canada and the Economic Developers Association of Canada have signed a three-year agreement aimed at helping communities attract tourism investment and strengthen local economic development.
The organizations announced Tuesday they have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will bring tourism and economic development professionals together through research, training and investment initiatives.
Officials say the partnership is intended to help communities better position tourism as a driver of long-term economic growth.
Tourism continues to grow
Destination Canada says tourism generated $140.5 billion in direct visitor spending in 2025, while tourism-related gross domestic product grew 2.5 per cent, compared with 1.7 per cent growth for the overall Canadian economy.
The national tourism organization projects tourism revenue will increase by six per cent in 2026.
The sector supports more than 280,000 businesses in approximately 5,000 communities, with one in 10 Canadian jobs linked to tourism. It also generated $34.9 billion in export revenue last year.
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Focus on investment readiness
Under the agreement, Destination Canada and the Economic Developers Association of Canada will work together to promote tourism’s economic benefits, share research and best practices, and provide workshops and webinars focused on tourism investment.
The partnership will also incorporate tourism-focused content into the association’s Certified Economic Developer program and encourage collaboration through conferences and joint communications.
Meaghan Ferrigno, Destination Canada’s interim president and chief executive officer, said tourism creates jobs, attracts investment and supports community development.
“By partnering with the Economic Developers Association of Canada, we are strengthening connections between professionals in tourism and economic development to help communities position tourism as a catalyst for investment and long-term growth,” Ferrigno said in a statement.
Three-year collaboration
John Perrott, executive director of the Economic Developers Association of Canada, said the agreement will provide members with additional tools and resources to incorporate tourism into local economic development strategies.
The organizations say the memorandum establishes a framework for collaboration over the next three years as they work to support tourism growth, attract investment and create new economic opportunities in communities across Canada.
Destination Canada is the federal Crown corporation responsible for promoting Canada as a tourism destination, while the Economic Developers Association of Canada represents economic development professionals nationwide.