July 14 \u2013 Destination Canada, the official national tourism partner for World Cup 2026, is reporting more than one million visitors to matches in the country and a $2 billion contribution to Canada\u2019s economy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Overall tourism revenue is projected to reach $140.9 billion in 2026 \u2013 a 6% increase over the previous year \u2013 and $216.3 billion by 2035.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 2026 World Cup has been a key driver of raising Canada\u2019s profile as an international tourist destination and has been a key part of the legacy marketing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCanada\u2019s overseas tourism markets are forecast to grow by 9.8% annually through 2035, helping diversify visitor demand across markets, seasons, and source countries,\u201d said Destination Canada.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Where the Canadian marketing differed from their neighbours south of the border was in the creation of a series of \u2018Natural Watch Parties\u2019 that took fans out of traditional city-centre based gatherings to iconic landscapes in the great outdoors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hosted in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax, the free events saw fans paddle across Lake Ontario to the Toronto Islands, gather along Halifax\u2019s historic waterfront, follow the Canadian team beside the Rideau Canal, and watch from 1220m (4,000 feet) above sea level on the summit of Grouse Mountain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe series reimagined traditional watch parties as immersive travel experiences, bringing fans from around the world together with local fans in some of Canada\u2019s most spectacular settings. More than places to watch football, they\u00a0showcased\u00a0a side of Canada many visitors\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0expect \u2013 where extraordinary landscapes, welcoming communities, and outdoor adventure are part of everyday life,\u201d said Destination Canada.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly in Canada could\u00a0a World Cup watch party involve canoeing to the Toronto Islands or cheering atop a mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean,\u201d said Gloria Loree, Senior Vice-President, Marketing Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer, Destination Canada.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Natural Watch Parties invited people from around the world to discover Canada\u2019s landscapes, communities, and welcoming spirit in\u00a0perhaps a\u00a0new way \u2013 but it sure seems natural to us. The response has been incredible, with extensive international media coverage\u00a0showcasing\u00a0the excitement these watch parties created.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n