Tourism set to deliver $100+ million in sales at Rendez-vous Canada

Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) – the nation’s premier international tourism trade event – is set to welcome a record number of international travel buyers and Canadian tourism sellers in Toronto from May 26 to 29, signalling unprecedented global interest in Canada's tourism experiences.

The tradeshow is a major driver of tourism revenue and international trade.

Travel and tourism revenue is projected to increase by six per cent and reach $140.9 billion this year according to the Canadian Tourism Outlook Report, produced by Destination Canada and Tourism Economics.

As one of Canada's top service exports, tourism is projected to contribute nine to 10 per cent (up to $30 billion) toward Canada's goal of securing an additional $300 billion in non-U.S. exports by 2035, according to a press release.

Tourism's opportunity to contribute to Canada's trade diversification efforts starts on the tradeshow floor, where Canadian sellers (attractions, hotels, and Destination Marketing Organizations) will connect with international buyers (travel agents and tour operators).

More than 60,000 of these business to business appointments will connect Canadian tourism experiences to global markets.

All of Canada's target markets attend Rendez-vous Canada, which is experiencing increased interest from markets including Brazil, France and China since Canada's Approved Destination Status (ADS) was reinstated in November 2025. Registration from American buyers is strong and overall buyer registration from all markets is at an all-time high.

Rendez-vous Canada 2026 by the numbers:

• Over 1,400 attendees registered
• 500+ buyers from 24 international markets (100+ more buyers than 2025)
• 900+ sellers representing more than 500 Canadian tourism organizations, including Indigenous entrepreneurs
• 60,000+ pre-scheduled business-to-business appointments

Hosting Rendez-vous Canada in Toronto is also set to deliver strong economic and sector benefits.

The preliminary direct economic impact is approximately $6.7 million. An additional $5.7 million comes from estimated indirect and induced impacts – that is business-to-business activity resulting from the direct impact.

The 2025 event in Winnipeg generated an estimated $4.6M in economic impact and $89.6M in business was signed over three days in 2025.

Spotlight on Toronto & Ontario tourism

Rendez-vous Canada is an opportunity to showcase Toronto's culinary scene, culturally rich neighbourhoods, and year-round lineup of attractions, festivals, and sporting events to over 500 buyers and tour operators from key global markets.

This year's event also comes ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, giving buyers a firsthand look at how Toronto is preparing to welcome the world.

Last year, Toronto welcomed a record 28.2 million visitors, generating an all-time high of $9.1 billion in visitor spending.

International arrivals were the city's fastest-growing segment, rising eight per cent to 1.4 million visitors, led by strong growth from the U.K. and Germany.

Hosting international buyers helps strengthen demand in established markets like Europe and Mexico while expanding opportunities in Asia.

To support continued growth and diversification, Destination Toronto has increased visibility and accelerated in-market activity in the U.K., Germany and Mexico alongside the critical U.S. market.

More than 85 Ontario tourism businesses and organizations will participate in the marketplace, meeting with international buyers to build relationships and secure future visitation for destinations and experiences across the province.

In addition to attending RVC, approximately 215 buyers and travel trade media will take part in 17 pre- and post-familiarization tours throughout Ontario.

"Tourism is one of Canada's most immediate and scalable export opportunities, and Rendez-vous Canada is where that opportunity turns into action,” said Marsha Walden, president and CEO, Destination Canada, in a statement. 

“This year, we are welcoming a record number of international buyers, creating new opportunities for Canadian tourism businesses to diversify trade, grow global market share and generate economic benefits for communities across the country.”

“With global travel demand accelerating, Canada is well positioned to capture a greater share of the USD $2 trillion international visitor economy.”

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