Guest spending boosts Canadian economy by a record $10.8B in 2024

Just outside Winnipeg, Kathryn Penner built a cozy treehouse retreat nestled among the trees with sweeping river views. What started as a creative project quickly became one of the most wishlisted Airbnbs by Canadians in the country and around the world in 2024. Kathryn’s home has become a go-to spot for travellers to reconnect with the great outdoors, showcasing that an Airbnb in Canada can be a tourist attraction in its own right. 

Kathryn’s story is one of many across Canada where Airbnb hosts are helping travellers, domestic and international, to experience Canada in a unique way. In doing so, they’re also driving significant economic impact – supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue in communities of all sizes.

Travel on Airbnb generated nearly $10.8B in estimated economic activity across Canada in 2024

According to newly released estimates, travel on Airbnb in Canada generated a record $10.8 billion in economic activity last year¹ – a total contribution driven by guests, Canadian hosts, and the small businesses that guests support with visitor spending.

Supporting a record 105K jobs nationwide

In 2024, the typical Airbnb guest in Canada spent more than $850 per trip on restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and at other local businesses². That spending helped support over 105,000 jobs across the country – a record – and generated more than $7.7 billion in labour income.

And because Airbnb listings are often located outside traditional hotel districts, these benefits are widely shared. In fact, nearly 50 percent of guest spending occurred in the neighbourhood of their Airbnb³ – helping boost economic activity in places that might not otherwise attract tourism dollars.

Generating over $328M in tax revenue for governments

Travel on Airbnb in Canada also contributed more than $328 million in total tax revenue across Canada in 2024 – including over $196 million in federal GST, HST, and QST⁴ collected and remitted on behalf of hosts at a time when many governments are facing increasing budget pressure.

Over-regulation puts hundreds of millions in economic activity at risk in Canadian cities

2024 was a record year for Canadians exploring their own country, with nearly 9 million domestic guest arrivals – an increase of more than 40% since 2019. Travellers stayed in more than 1,750 communities across Canada, with 28 cities and towns welcoming Airbnb guests for the very first time.

While travel on Airbnb continues to grow and generate meaningful economic benefits across Canada, some governments are implementing overly restrictive short-term rental rules that threaten local economies. In Montreal, new regulations could put more than $400 million in annual economic activity at risk – impacting small businesses, service providers, and communities that rely on guest spending, all without clear evidence these measures improve housing affordability.

British Columbia has also enacted one of the most stringent short-term rental laws in the country, restricting stays of 90 nights or fewer to a host’s primary residence in most communities. Passed in just two weeks, the legislation is expected to strip income from local residents, reduce tourism spending in areas with limited hotel capacity, and hinder the province’s ability to host major events like the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite claims that these measures will improve housing availability, a Statistics Canada report found the number of short-term rentals with the potential to be long-term dwellings is small – less than one percent of the housing supply in most Canadian cities. That means these new rules come at a high cost to local economies, while doing little to meaningfully address the housing crisis.

A nationwide economic impact

Whether it’s a treehouse near Winnipeg, a lakeside cottage in Quebec, or a mountain retreat in Whistler, Airbnb is helping Canadians discover the places that make this country special. With meaningful economic contributions, support for small businesses, and a growing number of travellers booking local stays, Airbnb is proud to play a role in Canada’s tourism economy in every province and territory⁵.

Economic impact by province and territory

• Alberta: $1.2B
• British Columbia: $2.7B
• Manitoba: $147M
• New Brunswick: $140M
• Newfoundland and Labrador: $129M
• Nova Scotia: $282M
• Ontario: $3.8B
• Prince Edward Island: $74M
• Quebec: $2B
• Saskatchewan: $124M
• Northwest Territories: $3M
• Nunavut: $783K
• Yukon: $13M

Methodological and legal note:

IMPLAN is a regional economic analysis software program designed to estimate the impact or ripple effects (specifically, indirect linkages) of a given economic activity within a specific geographic area by applying its input-output matrix and social accounting model. Studies, results, and reports based on IMPLAN data or applications are limited by the assumptions of the researchers regarding the subject of the event being modeled. Studies such as this one are in no way endorsed or verified by IMPLAN Group, LLC, unless otherwise indicated by an IMPLAN representative.

The ratings, percentages, and economic data included in this release are based on internal information from the Airbnb platform collected during 2024, as well as on studies prepared or commissioned by Airbnb to analyze the economic impact of digital tourism in Canada. This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee or commercial representation regarding the quality, availability, or characteristics of the spaces listed on the platform. 

About IMPLAN

As the leading provider of economic impact data and analytical applications, we have spent decades serving the economic data needs of researchers, policymakers, decision-makers, advocates, business leaders, governments, and more.

IMPLAN has been redefining the field of economics for over 40 years. Created by academics to serve the needs of the U.S. Forest Service, it has now transformed to serve as a solutions provider for anyone interested in understanding their economics.