Tourism Burnaby drives nearly one billion dollars in visitor spending

Record-breaking tourism levels in Burnaby, British Columbia, are contributing to economic growth for the city, according to the new Economic Impact of Tourism in Burnaby study released by Tourism Burnaby in partnership with InterVISTAS.

Centrally located in Metro Vancouver, Burnaby is British Columbia’s third-largest city, offering a mix of culture, dining, shopping and outdoor adventure.

As one of B.C.’s most economically resilient cities (2024), Burnaby welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors in 2023 — including 953,500 domestic travellers and 339,900 international and U.S. visitors. These visitors generated $990 million in total tourism-related spending, spanning accommodations, activities, and entertainment.

Tourism also plays a critical role in the city’s labour market. In 2023, visitor activity directly supported approximately 7,240 jobs, generating $250 million in wages. This accounts for roughly 12% of direct employment impact across Greater Vancouver. The economic impact of these activities stands at $350 million in direct GDP and $730 million in total economic output across British Columbia.

“Burnaby is poised for future tourism growth, and the findings from our economic impact study cement this, driving home the value of the visitor economy for our city year-round,” said Chris Peters, Executive Director of Tourism Burnaby. “Visitors are travelling to Burnaby for sports events, meetings and conventions, and seasonal festivals, all of which give back to the community socially, culturally, and economically.”

Burnaby’s visitor economy is supported by a wide range of businesses, with the Burnaby Board of Trade serving as a key partner. In 2023, the sectors most impacted by tourism included retail (49%), food and beverage (23%), local transportation (13%), and accommodations (7%), followed by art, culture, and entertainment (5%), and other sectors.

Tourism activity also generated $208 million in tax revenues in 2023, distributed across federal ($125 million), provincial ($70 million), and municipal ($13 million) governments. These revenues help fund infrastructure, essential services, and public amenities, improving quality of life for residents and enhancing the visitor experience.

For more information and to read the full Economic Impact of Tourism in Burnaby study or watch the video summarizing its findings, visit tourismburnaby.com.