TORONTO, May 26, 2026 /CNW/ - Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) is set to welcome a record number of international travel buyers and Canadian tourism sellers in Toronto from May 26 to 29, 2026, signaling unprecedented global interest in Canada's tourism experiences.
The tradeshow is a major driver of tourism revenue and international trade. Travel and tourism revenue is projected to increase by 6 per cent and reach $140.9 billion this year according to the Canadian Tourism Outlook Report, produced by Destination Canada and Tourism Economics.
As one of Canada's top service exports, tourism is projected to contribute nine to 10 per cent (up to $30 billion) toward Canada's goal of securing an additional $300 billion in non-US exports by 2035. Tourism's opportunity to contribute to Canada's trade diversification efforts starts on the tradeshow floor, where Canadian sellers (attractions, hotels, and Destination Marketing Organizations) will connect with international buyers (travel agents and tour operators). More than 60,000 of these business to business appointments will connect Canadian tourism experiences to global markets.
All of Canada's target markets attend Rendez-vous Canada, which is experiencing increased interest from markets including Brazil, France and China since Canada's Approved Destination Status (ADS) was reinstated in November 2025. Registration from American buyers is strong and overall buyer registration from all markets is at an all-time high.
Rendez-vous Canada 2026 by the numbers:
• Over 1,400 attendees registered
• 500+ buyers from 24 international markets (100+ more buyers than 2025)
• 900+ sellers representing more than 500 Canadian tourism organizations, including Indigenous entrepreneurs
• 60,000+ pre-scheduled business-to-business appointments
Hosting Rendez-vous Canada in Toronto will deliver strong economic and sector benefits.
• The preliminary direct economic impact is approximately $6.7M
• An additional $5.7M comes from estimated indirect and induced impacts — that is business-to-business activity resulting from the direct impact
• More than 4,000 hotel room nights secured in Toronto
• The 2025 event in Winnipeg generated an estimated $4.6M in economic impact and $89.6M in business was signed over three days in 2025.
Spotlight on Toronto and Ontario Tourism Businesses:
Rendez-vous Canada is an opportunity to showcase Toronto's diverse culinary scene, culturally rich neighbourhoods, and year-round lineup of attractions, festivals, and sporting events to over 500 buyers and tour operators from key global markets. This year's event also comes ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™, giving buyers a firsthand look at how Toronto is preparing to welcome the world.
Last year, Toronto welcomed a record 28.2 million visitors, generating an all-time high of $9.1 billion in visitor spending. International arrivals were the city's fastest-growing segment, rising 8 per cent to 1.4 million visitors, led by strong growth from the U.K. and Germany. Hosting international buyers helps strengthen demand in established markets like Europe and Mexico while expanding opportunities in Asia. To support continued growth and diversification, Destination Toronto has increased visibility and accelerated in-market activity in the U.K., Germany and Mexico alongside the critical U.S. market.
More than 85 Ontario tourism businesses and organizations will participate in the marketplace, meeting with international buyers to build relationships and secure future visitation for destinations and experiences across the province.
Hosting Rendez-vous Canada 2026 in Ontario provides an important opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and showcase the diversity of experiences available throughout the province, from outdoor adventure and Indigenous tourism to culinary, cultural and major event experiences.
In addition to attending RVC, approximately 215 buyers and travel trade media will take part in 17 pre- and post-familiarization tours throughout Ontario. These immersive journeys will introduce participants to destinations and experiences across the province, offering first-hand opportunities to experience Ontario's vibrant communities, iconic attractions and diverse tourism offerings.
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