{"id":31789,"date":"2026-04-30T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gbta.org\/?p=31789"},"modified":"2026-04-30T07:15:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T11:15:39","slug":"canada-sees-continued-business-travel-growth-and-strong-economic-impact-in-toronto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gbta.org\/es\/canada-sees-continued-business-travel-growth-and-strong-economic-impact-in-toronto\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada\u00a0Sees\u00a0Continued Business Travel Growth\u00a0and\u00a0Strong Economic\u00a0Impact\u00a0in\u00a0Toronto"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canada\u2019s business travel and meetings market is gaining momentum, according to analysis and insights shared about the sector by the Asociaci\u00f3n mundial de viajes de negocios<\/a> (GBTA) during its 2026 Canada Conference<\/a>, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBusiness travel continues to prove its resilience and relevance worldwide, and Canada is no exception,\u201d said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. \u201cOur 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GBTA welcomed\u00a0nearly 700\u00a0registered attendees from seven countries. This included 195 corporate travel managers from 136 organizations,\u00a0representing\u00a0a combined, self-reported\u00a0$4 billion\u00a0CAD in annual travel spending.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GBTA\u2019s Canada Conference, now in its 22Dakota del Norte<\/sup> year, featured main stage presentations, panel discussions and education sessions, all geared toward advancing the region\u2019s business travel sector and its professionals.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canada\u2019s Business Travel Growth Continues; Strong Economic Impact in Toronto<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to new analysis from the GBTA Business Travel Index<\/a> (\u201cBTI\u201d), Canada ranked as the world\u2019s 12th\u2011largest 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<\/strong>, total business travel and meetings spending is projected to reach $40.1 billion CAD<\/strong>, a 4.3%<\/strong> year-over-year increase.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s most popular business travel destinations. Based on 2024 data, business travel to and within Toronto generated $4.3 billion USD<\/strong> in industry\u2011driven revenue, including $586 million USD<\/strong> in tax contributions. More than half (53%) of every additional dollar spent on business travel remained in the local economy, supporting 21,282 jobs<\/strong>. GBTA estimates that business travel to and within Toronto also generated $1.3 billion USD<\/strong> in local value\u2011added revenue in 2024, reinforcing the city\u2019s role as a key destination for meetings and events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn 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,\u201d said Acosta Sanchez. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exemplifying GBTA\u2019s Three Pillars Through Specialized Programming and Sessions<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Canada Conference 2026 delivered a full slate of memorable moments and highlights focused on GBTA\u2019s three pillars of Community, Learning and Advocacy with key offerings including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n