winnipeg tourism sector

Key Industries

Tourism

Winnipeg is a vibrant, artsy, multicultural city that has been singled out by many publications and return visitors as a top travel destination for its many charms.

Located at the heart of Treaty 1 Territory, iconic Winnipeg attractions include The Canadian Museum for Human Rights—a marvel of architecture that also graces the $10 bill, and Assiniboine Park—where polar bears swim over your head and Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall crashes at your feet.

Our Tourism Winnipeg team is the city’s official destination management organization, leading all efforts to attract visitors, group tours, special events, sports, meetings and conventions to Winnipeg.

Tourism Winnipeg showcases the city’s best attractions, festivals, events, arts, culture, restaurants and services to provide visitors and residents with the best possible experience.

Winnipeg Meetings, Conventions and Major Events Success Stories

2023 Winnipeg Police and Fire Games

The largest event in 2023, and indeed the largest event the city of Winnipeg has hosted, was the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG). Featuring more than 5,000 first responders from 68 countries, the WPFG brought an estimated $49.1 million to the city, while in December 2024 its board further solidified its legacy impact by donating $300,000 from its leftover budget toward the city’s your sport organizations and sporting venues.

$49.1M economic impact / 5,000+ delegates

2025 CEBL Championships

Canada’s biggest annual basketball celebration heads to Winnipeg for first time in August 2025. CW25 will feature the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship Game, the Commissioner’s Luncheon, a free outdoor street festival and the CEBL Player Awards. The CEBL’s Championship Weekend has become Canada’s biggest annual basketball event. You can expect sell-out crowds, as the Winnipeg Sea Bears (our CEBL team) have already set multiple CEBL attendance records at Canada Life Centre.

2025 Family Medicine Forum

Canada’s largest and most comprehensive annual conference for family physicians will take place at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg from November 5 to 8, 2025. Hosted by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, attendees will include physicians, residents, international medical graduates, students, nurses, nurse practitioners, researchers, teachers and other health care professionals. There will be 3000 to 4000 delegates attending, with an estimated economic impact of $6.3M and total hotel room nights at 13,170.

$6.3M economic impact / 4,000 delegates

2026 World Indigenous Business Forum

The world’s largest Indigenous business forum is coming to Winnipeg in late October of 2026. The city is expecting 1,000 delegates from more than 20 countries, with an estimated economic impact of $1.1 to $3 million. There will be 2,100 room nights during this massive citywide event, which will be held in downtown Winnipeg.

$1.1 to $3M economic impact / 1,000 delegates

Fast Facts

$2.9B

Total tourism GDP
(Manitoba, 2022)
4.2M

Visitors
(Destination Canada, 2023)
22,233

Tourism employees
(Manitoba, 2023)
639

Tourism companies
(Winnipeg, 2023)
$1.1B

in tourism spend
(Destination Canada, 2023)
#5

Fifth largest convention centre in Canada
7,200

Hotel rooms
80 flights

arriving into the city per day
83,000

French speakers, making Winnipeg one of the largest Francophone communities in Canada

Tourism Winnipeg's Focus Areas

Key Network

Manitoba Hotel Association

Established in 1927, the Manitoba Hotel Association represents the majority of the province’s hotels, having one of highest membership rates in North America. The not-for-profit corporation serves the needs and promotes the common interests of the hotel and accommodation industry in Manitoba.

Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba

The Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba (TIAM) works with industry leaders to foster a competitive and prosperous visitor economy in Manitoba. By advocating for the tourism sector, TIAM aims to strengthen the industry through collaboration and unified representation.

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is the national advocate for Canada's tourism sector, promoting policies and programs that support industry growth and development. Founded in 1930, TIAC represents a diverse range of tourism businesses and works to enhance Canada's competitiveness as a top international destination.

Indigenous Tourism Manitoba

Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM) unites communities, Indigenous groups and industry leaders to create authentic Indigenous tourism experiences across the province. ITM supports Indigenous businesses and their communities by promoting and growing the Indigenous tourism industry.

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is dedicated to the development and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences across the country. ITAC collaborates with various partners to support Indigenous tourism businesses, enhancing economic opportunities.

Destination Canada

Destination Canada is the national marketing organization dedicated to promoting Canada as a premier travel destination. By providing intelligence, tools and resources, Destination Canada supports the Canadian tourism industry in reaching both domestic and international markets.