Boston hosts Canadian travel trade on FAM to strengthen tourism ties

Meet Boston welcomed a group of 10 Canadian travel trade professionals and meeting planners last week for a four-day FAM program designed to showcase the destination's leisure attractions, meeting venues and accommodations while reinforcing Boston's appeal to the Canadian market.

The program also highlighted the city's continued momentum following its role as a Host City for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Canada remains Boston's largest international visitor market, with more than 658,000 Canadian visitors generating over 2.3 million room nights and $494 million in visitor spending in 2025.

"Canada remains a key market for Boston, and this FAM was a valuable opportunity to showcase the new experiences, venues, and developments shaping the destination today, while highlighting the energy and vibrancy of Boston in the summer season," said Nik Pereira, senior vice president of sales and services at Meet Boston, in a press release,

"These FAMs, together with our partnership with DCI, represent a robust, dedicated and multifaceted effort to grow our market share of Canadian visitors, particularly amidst trade and geopolitical challenges. With expanded air service, exciting new offerings and strong momentum following a landmark year for the city, there has never been a better time for Canadians to discover—or rediscover—Boston."

History, culture, culinary

During the itinerary, delegates explored Boston's history, culture, culinary scene, sports and waterfront through a series of curated experiences developed with Meet Boston's tourism partners.

One of the trip's highlights was attending a Boston Red Sox versus Toronto Blue Jays game at Fenway Park.

Participants also toured the Seaport District with the Boston History Company, visited the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and its reimagined Art of the Americas galleries, and explored Beacon Hill, Cambridge Squares, the MIT campus and the Innovation Trail.

Culinary experiences included a noodle-making class at PAGU, local tastings with City Brew Tours, a Sam Adams beer pairing dinner at Parker's Bar at Omni Parker House and dining at The Banks Fish House.

The group also enjoyed a Boston Harbor cruise aboard Yacht Hope with Charles River Boat Company, cycling tours with Urban AdvenTours and panoramic views from VIEW Boston.

Accommodations were split between the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport and the newly renovated Omni Parker House, offering delegates a look at both Boston's modern waterfront district and its historic downtown core.

Genuine gratitude

"Hot off the back of the World Cup, and all the great publicity generated from the games played in Boston (especially everything I read about Scotland's Tartan Army), it was great to be back in Boston and see firsthand what makes the city a special place to visit," said David Green, VP customer operations and managing director Canada at G Adventures, who also participated.

"Here's the thing: travel from Canada to the U.S. may be down right now for a variety of reasons, but this trip was a great reminder that Canadians and Americans remain wonderful neighbours.”

“Everywhere I went, I was met with warmth, kindness and genuine gratitude for our visit. While political tensions may be influencing travel decisions, the people I met in Boston couldn't have been more welcoming, and it was clear how much they value their Canadian visitors."

Non-stop flights

Meet Boston also highlighted the city's accessibility for Canadian travellers, noting year-round non-stop air service from Toronto Pearson, Billy Bishop and Montreal, as well as direct flights from Calgary, Ottawa, Québec City and Halifax.

Looking ahead, the organization said it will continue building its presence in the Canadian market through initiatives including a November sales and media mission, the annual Tree for Boston tradition celebrating the relationship between Nova Scotia and Boston, and the launch of Frostival, a new winter celebration developed with Canadian travellers in mind.

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