Dear Partners,
While it’s been another challenging year for our industry, I remain optimistic about the future. And it’s more than blind faith. Here in Alberta, things are trending in the right direction as we power through to recovery together.
Alberta is primed to outpace the rest of Canada’s recovery. And our latest Tourism Economics forecast – which takes into consideration speed bumps like the Omicron variant – indicates total tourism spending will return to 2019 levels in 2024, tracking with the goal in our Bootstrap Plan.
All eyes are on Alberta as we end the year with some big wins, including making Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious list of “The 22 Best Places to Go in 2022” and AFAR’s “Where to Go in 2022” – spotlighting Métis Crossing, the only Canadian destination on the list.
So, we are on the right path.
Those of us who attended the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) conference earlier this month enjoyed meeting in person in a safe environment. Tourism is a business of connection, and it starts with us.
So, we are proceeding with our plans, partnering with the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta to host several in-person town halls starting in January and the Alberta Tourism Industry Congress in April, complying with all public health restrictions.
I can’t wait to safely gather in the same room with many of you.
All the best of the season.
David Goldstein
