Government of Canada investing in quality tourism experiences and attractions to grow Alberta’s visitor economy
Press Release
From: Prairies Economic Development Canada
April 22, 2026
As part of National Tourism Week, PrairiesCan announced funding that will, help businesses and not-for-profits to enhance cultural and heritage experiences, expand accommodation offerings and improve attractions to boost tourism spending in Alberta
Amid tariff‑related uncertainty and shifting global trade conditions, it is more important than ever to strengthen sectors that drive economic activity and support jobs in our communities. Alberta’s tourism sector has what the world wants with incredible sites across the province. These investments will offer an inclusive pathway to strengthen long-term economic resilience and create meaningful jobs in communities across the province.
Today, during National Tourism Week in Canada (April 20-24, 2026), the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced a federal investment of more than $1.9 million through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) for eight projects across Alberta. These investments will help businesses and not-for-profit organizations deliver the kinds of outstanding experiences that drive year-round tourism spending in Alberta.
This support from PrairiesCan will help enhance cultural and heritage experiences, expand accommodation offerings and improve attractions. Their efforts will contribute to vibrant travel destinations – including in rural areas and beyond high-volume tourism periods – while supporting more than 50 jobs.
Building Canada strong requires the participation of all Canadians including rural and urban communities, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous groups. A number of the projects announced today will also advance reconciliation by supporting authentic Indigenous experiences, enabling visitors to learn about Indigenous perspectives.
Through investments like this, the Government of Canada is helping Alberta businesses and organizations showcase Alberta’s stunning natural beauty and rich culture to create jobs and to build a Canada strong economy.
A full list of projects receiving PrairiesCan investment can be found in the associated backgrounder.
Quotes
“Alberta’s world‑class tourism sector showcases the best of our landscapes, culture and communities, all while serving as a powerful driver of local economies. Tourism creates good jobs, strengthens small businesses, and helps communities grow. Our government is working hard to attract more visitors to Alberta year‑round – including experiences on the road less traveled – spurring economic opportunities felt by entrepreneurs, families, and communities across the province.”
–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
“Tourism is a key driver of economic growth, creating jobs and supporting small businesses in communities across Alberta. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the federal government has made targeted investments that help businesses and organizations expand their offerings, attract more visitors year-round, and increase local spending. By strengthening Alberta’s tourism sector, we are supporting resilient communities and contributing to a stronger, more diversified Canadian economy.”
–The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
Quick facts
- Statistics Canada’s National Tourism Indicators released March 27, 2026 show that tourism made up 1.74% of Canada’s gross domestic product and supported more than 717,000 jobs across Canada in the fourth quarter of 2025.
- The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) was launched in 2023 with $108 million over 3 years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations develop or expand local tourism experiences.
- While the intake period for the Tourism Growth Program is now closed, the Government of Canada continues to support regional tourism with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, non-sector-specific programming, through initiatives delivered by Destination Canada and with the Canada Strong Pass.
Related products
Associated links
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
- Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in the Prairie Provinces
- Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
- Destination Canada
- Canada Strong Pass
- Tourism Industry Association of Canada: National Tourism Week
Contacts
Soraya Lemur
Press Secretary
Office of the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski
Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
Soraya.Lemur@ps-sp.gc.ca
Narmin Hassam-Clark
Acting Communications Manager
Prairies Economic Development Canada
Narmin.Hassam-Clark@prairiescan.gc.ca
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