| | | | | |

Canada Sees Continued Business Travel Growth and Strong Economic Impact in Toronto

Bytara erwin

Canada’s business travel and meetings market is gaining momentum, according to analysis and insights shared about the sector by the Asociación mundial de viajes de negocios (GBTA) during its 2026 Canada Conference, held April 27-29 at The Westin Harbour Castle. GBTA research shows that despite ongoing global uncertainty and economic pressures, business travel remains a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and face-to-face collaboration in Canada and beyond. 

“Business travel continues to prove its resilience and relevance worldwide, and Canada is no exception,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “Our data shows that in-person meetings remain unmatched in driving business outcomes, making smart investment in travel essential as Canada continues to punch above its weight as part of the global business travel economy.” 

GBTA welcomed nearly 700 registered attendees from seven countries. This included 195 corporate travel managers from 136 organizations, representing a combined, self-reported $4 billion CAD in annual travel spending. 

Of the registered attendees, 214 attended the Conference for the first time, including 37% of corporate travel managers. Within the sold-out expo hall, 72 companies exhibited, including 15 for the first time. 

GBTA’s Canada Conference, now in its 22Dakota del Norte year, featured main stage presentations, panel discussions and education sessions, all geared toward advancing the region’s business travel sector and its professionals.  

Canada’s Business Travel Growth Continues; Strong Economic Impact in Toronto 

In a featured main stage presentation, Neufang and Janette Acosta Sanchez, Country Director, GBTA Canada, unveiled new research reflecting the resilience of business travel, globally and in Canada, along with its significant economic contribution in Toronto. 

According to new analysis from the GBTA Business Travel Index (“BTI”), Canada ranked as the world’s 12th‑largest business travel market in 2025, up from 13th in 2024. Business travel spending in Canada was estimated to grow 9.6% in 2025, exceeding the 6.6% projected global growth rate. For 2026, total business travel and meetings spending is projected to reach $40.1 billion CAD, a 4.3% year-over-year increase.  

Based on BTI survey findings, Canadian business travellers say they average 3.2 nights per trip, with most travel driven by conventions and conferences along with seminars and training. Sixty percent extended a business trip for leisure, while 83% say business travel is worthwhile to achieving their business objectives. 

GBTA also unveiled data from its upcoming International Business Travel Economic Impact Study outlining municipal economic impact of business travel among 25 of the world’s most popular business travel destinations. Based on 2024 data, business travel to and within Toronto generated $4.3 billion USD in industry‑driven revenue, including $586 million USD in tax contributions. More than half (53%) of every additional dollar spent on business travel remained in the local economy, supporting 21,282 jobs. GBTA estimates that business travel to and within Toronto also generated $1.3 billion USD in local value‑added revenue in 2024, reinforcing the city’s role as a key destination for meetings and events. 

“In Canada, business travel fuels local economies, supports jobs and enables the collaboration and innovation organizations rely on to grow. These insights help reinforce the value of business travel to policymakers and business leaders alike,” said Acosta Sanchez. 

Exemplifying GBTA’s Three Pillars Through Specialized Programming and Sessions 

The Canada Conference 2026 delivered a full slate of memorable moments and highlights focused on GBTA’s three pillars of Community, Learning and Advocacy with key offerings including: 

  • Educational programming featuring 15 curated sessions designed for practical takeaways and professional development on topics ranging from putting AI and emerging travel technology to work, to leading responsibly and inclusively. 
  • Leading expert speakers included Andrew Kirsch, Founder and Principal of Kirsch Group and former Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) intelligence officer who focused on evolving duty-of-care and security considerations for business travelers; and Sarah Ying, Head of FX Strategy at CIBC, who shared how the Canadian economy has shifted since the U.S. election as well as what recovery could look like. 
  • Conference experience highlights included Connect First, an orientation for those new to the conference and/or the industry; Braindate, featuring peer‑led small group discussions; the return of popular “Couples Therapy,” bringing buyers and suppliers together for candid partnership conversations; and the debut of Friendly Feud – Travel Edition, adding a high‑energy, game‑show twist to timely business travel topics. 

Momentum Powered by Members 

GBTA celebrated its members and volunteers by recognizing its committees and Canadian Advisory Board for their leadership and impact: 

  • 2025 Business Travel Service Awards: Tim Oldfield (President, Niagara Falls Convention Centre) and Kristen Hrycoy (Director Channel Sales, SAP Concur). 
  • Direct Member of the Year recognition: sue lanza (Director of Travel, Fleet, & Facilities Service, Cengage), honored for her long-standing leadership and contributions to GBTA and the profession. 

More GBTA Opportunities to Connect in 2026 in Canada and Beyond  

The conference concluded with a look ahead at upcoming GBTA events, including the annual Convención GBTA August 3-5 in Chicago. GBTA also outlined a robust schedule of Canadian programming throughout the year, featuring Buyer Only Exchanges in Winnipeg June 9, Ottawa June 11 and Edmonton June 16. There’s also Virtual Direct Buyer-Only Talks on May 26, September 17 and December 17, and the GBTA Canada Annual Town Hall on December 8. 

Acosta Sanchez also shared that the 2027 GBTA Canada Conference will take place April 19–21, again at The Westin Harbour Castle. 

To view a selection of pictures from the 2026 GBTA Canada Conference, go to canadaconference.gbta.org/photo-highlights/. 

To view interviews about the latest developments from industry leaders at the Conference’s Broadcast Studio, visit Canal de YouTube de GBTA in the coming days.