Destination Canada CEO Bets on New Promotion Fund, World Cup 2026


Skift Take

Canada's adapting to changes to its tourism sector and relationship with the Chinese market.

Series: Leaders of Travel: Skift C-Suite Series

Leaders of Travel: Skift C-Suite Series

What are the top trends impacting hotels, airlines, and online bookings? We speak to the executives shaping the future of travel.

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The U.S., Britain, and other Western destinations are still waiting for Chinese group tours to return to their pre-pandemic levels. Canada, however, has been adapting to the continued absence of Chinese groups. The country has sought other sources of tourism growth, such as through its new fund to attract business events and its plans to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"There are some geopolitics going on right now that are having an impact on tourism," said Destination Canada CEO and president Marsha Walden.

Canada last year surpassed its 2019 tourism revenue thanks to visitors from the U.S., Europe, Mexico, and Australia. It accomplished this feat despite disputes between the leaders of Canada and China souring relations. For over three years, China has banned travel agencies from selling group trips to Canada — traditionally a key tourism source.

In a wide-ranging interview, Destination Canada’s Walden spoke with Skift about a new tourism