Tourism Week in Manitoba 2025: A Celebration of Growth, Community and Opportunity

WOW, what a week! From polar bear socks and green lights to a show-stopping gala celebration, National Tourism Week in Manitoba was a vibrant celebration of an industry that touches every corner of our province.

Kicking off with a formal announcement of the investment outlined in Budget 2025—a $4.5 million increase in government funding to Travel Manitoba—the week set the tone for momentum and growth. Hosted at WAG-Qaumajuq, our National Tourism Week launch event brought together government officials, tourism leaders, Indigenous entrepreneurs and proud Manitobans to recognize the incredible impact of tourism across the province.

At our tourism week kickoff event, the Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister for Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, presented Colin Ferguson, President & CEO of Travel Manitoba and Holly Courchene, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM) with an official proclamation of Tourism Week in Manitoba.

The $1.82 billion tourism sector in this province bolsters our cities, towns and communities, with tax revenues being invested in things that benefit all Manitobans – things like infrastructure, healthcare and education,” said Minister Kennedy. “Tourism is about more than just numbers, it’s about the people, places, and experiences that make Manitoba unique. It is a key part of what makes Manitoba such a dynamic place to live, work and visit.”

“Tourism is a powerful economic driver, strengthening communities and improving quality of life across this amazing province,” said Ferguson.

With over 10.4 million visitors in 2023, Manitoba’s tourism industry generated $1.82 billion in visitor spending and contributed $373 million in provincial tax revenues, funds that help support government priorities including infrastructure, education and healthcare. That same tourism spending supports 25,000+ jobs—from family-run lodges and fishing outfitters to chefs, restaurant workers, tour guides and more!

A highlight of the event came from Courchene who underscored the growing strength of Indigenous-led experiences in the province. ITM will receive $450,000 in additional funding from Travel Manitoba as part of the Budget 2025 announcement.

“Tourism brings real opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses,” said Courchene. “Too often, our community members travel to nearby towns or cities for shopping, spending their money elsewhere. Tourism flips that script. When visitors come to our businesses, they spend money locally, boosting businesses, creating jobs and driving positive change.”

With over 170 Indigenous-owned tourism businesses now operating in Manitoba, contributing nearly $91 million to GDP and supporting 1,600 full-time jobs, Indigenous tourism is helping shape a stronger, more inclusive provincial economy.

This spring, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and Travel Manitoba will launch the province’s first-ever Indigenous tourism visitors guide, available through ITM’s partners and Travel Manitoba’s visitor centre at The Forks.

Later in the week, the spotlight turned to the third annual Tourism Awards Winnipeg | Manitoba, where we celebrated the people and organizations who go above and beyond to make Manitoba a world-class destination. From passionate entrepreneurs to standout attractions, these awards are a reminder of the heart and determination driving our industry forward.

This year, we received almost 100 nominations across nine award categories. When possible, a winner from Winnipeg and Manitoba was recognized in each category. The winners were celebrated at a gala event held on April 10 at the Fort Garry Place Grand Ballroom.

Read more about this year's winners here.

There’s even more to come. As Winnipeg prepares to host Rendez-vous Canada 2025, the country’s premier travel trade marketplace, we’re setting the stage to welcome the world. This flagship event, held by Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), brings together international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses in a marketplace-style event and is expected to generate millions in revenue and help solidify Manitoba’s place on the global tourism map.

Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg are co-hosts for this year’s trade show, which will be held at the RBC Convention Centre from May 27 to 31, with supporting events also taking place at The Leaf - Canada’s Diversity Garden, Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

The estimated economic impact of RVC is $5 million in direct and indirect revenue for the city and over $90 million worth of business conducted during the tradeshow. (Numbers are based on reports from RVC 2024 in Edmonton).

Read more about RVC 2025.

Throughout Tourism Week, we were reminded again and again that tourism is a multiplier. It creates jobs, builds community, drives investment and inspires pride of place. When we invest in tourism, we invest in Manitobans—in our stories, our businesses and our future.

Thank you to all who joined us this week to celebrate. Let’s keep the momentum going, because Canada’s Heart is Calling and the world is listening.