Final yr, over 300 buses of vacationers made the trek to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, west of Fort Macleod, Alta.
The UNESCO World Heritage site welcomed an estimated 60,000 company from world wide whereas sharing the historical past of the land.
“For hundreds of years, our of us have been operating buffalo over these cliffs. We wish to defend and protect the positioning and the story,” mentioned Quinton Crowshoe, an worker on the centre.
It’s one in all 4 UNESCO World Heritage websites dotted round Lethbridge, with every bringing in hundreds of individuals yearly. Nevertheless, Tourism Lethbridge says the aim isn’t essentially extra folks, however more cash spent per go to.
In 2024, their aim was achieved. Vacationers spent 5.5 per cent extra in Lethbridge than they did the yr earlier than.
“The province as an entire noticed a 10-per cent enhance in customer spending, so we’re actually placing our share ahead,” mentioned Erin Crane, CEO of Tourism Lethbridge.
“Certainly one of our key deliverables is ensuring Lethbridge’s market share is getting simply as a lot as the entire different communities (in Alberta), so seeing that 5.5-per cent development during the last yr was actually good for us.”
In 2019, Lethbridge had a lodge occupancy charge of 57.4 per cent. There was a lull throughout COVID, with the trade taking some hits, however now it has roared again to life with a 61.4 per cent occupancy charge in 2024.
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Tourism Lethbridge reported at their annual basic assembly earlier this month that town is house to 472 companies tied to the tourism sector, using almost 15,000 folks.
Regardless of financial uncertainties dealing with the nation, the tourism trade in southern Alberta is anticipating development as a direct results of folks making an attempt to restrict spending.
“Individuals take a look at their discretionary earnings and so they’re actually being aware of how they’re spending that,” mentioned Crane. “Can we keep a bit nearer to house? Can we go and expertise some issues in our personal yard that perhaps we hadn’t seen earlier than?”
It comes at a time when fewer Canadians are travelling to the US, including one other enhance to native websites.
“I stay optimistic. I take a look at what’s occurring and I see that folks will most likely keep in Canada… Our numbers will most likely go up, I anticipate that,” mentioned Crowshoe.
Occasions additionally made up a good portion the draw for vacationers. 400,000 folks attended a complete of 639 recorded occasions in Lethbridge final yr, with almost half coming from out of city.
© 2025 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
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