Destination Canada launched its International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF) this past March, which has now helped destination marketing organizations (DMOs) throughout the country secure bids to host high-value conferences.
The ICAF has been a vital component of Destination Canada’s strategy to establish the country as a leading host for business events and, since its launch, has helped local DMOs win 21 confirmed conference bids. These events are expected to attract more than 50,000 overnight delegates to Canadian destinations and lead to an anticipated economic impact of more than $120 million.
Cities like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Ottawa, and Calgary are just some of the host cities that have claimed these successful event bids. The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference will be held next year in Toronto, Ontario; the 2027 World Road Congress will be hosted in Vancouver, British Columbia; the 2025 International Symposium on Avian Influenza will take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland; and the 2028 International Geological Congress will be hosted in Calgary, Alberta.
“Competition for international events is fierce, and Canada is winning!” says the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, minister of tourism and minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the region of Quebec, in a prepared statement. “Thanks to our historic investments through the International Convention Attraction Fund, we have already landed 21 major conferences. These events showcase the best of our country to some 51,000 overnight delegates from around the world—who spend twice as much as leisure travelers—while creating opportunities for our businesses. We look forward to welcoming the world to Canada!”
Corporate and business events such as these have an important impact on Canada’s tourism industry, and the ICAF supports bids for events that fall in key sectors including advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, life sciences, natural resources, digital industries, and finance and insurance.
