Burnaby, a city often seen as just part of Metro Vancouver’s suburbs, has surprised many with its strong rise in tourism. In 2023, the city welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors and saw record-breaking spending that reached $990 million. This major boost in tourism supported over 7,200 jobs and gave a large push to British Columbia’s economy.
Of the total amount spent by visitors, about $250 million went to wages for workers in Burnaby. Governments at the federal, provincial, and local levels collected $208 million in taxes. These numbers come from a new report released by Tourism Burnaby, highlighting the growing role of tourism in shaping the city’s future.
Among the 1.3 million tourists, 953,500 were domestic travelers from within Canada. Another 339,900 came from the United States and other countries. These visitors contributed to a wide range of local industries, making tourism a vital part of Burnaby’s financial health.
Retail saw the biggest benefit, taking in 49% of all tourism-related spending. Food and beverage services followed with 23%. Transportation got 13%, while accommodations received 7%, and the arts, culture, and entertainment sector made up 5%. This wide spread of spending shows that tourism is helping both big and small businesses in the city.
Chris Peters, the Executive Director of Tourism Burnaby, said the value of tourism goes far beyond the money spent. According to him, tourists help build the future of Burnaby by supporting local businesses and the overall community spirit. He pointed out that the growth in tourism brings more than just financial benefits. It creates chances for new festivals, sports events, and business conferences that bring life to the city year-round.
One of the ways tourism is doing this is through events like the Burnaby Clean Energy Summit. What began as a small, half-day event has now turned into a multi-day gathering that draws interest from around the world. This transformation came through support and planning from Tourism Burnaby and its partners.
Angie Whitfield, CEO of the Burnaby Board of Trade, said tourism is now a key part of Burnaby’s big-picture goals. She believes that attracting visitors helps bring new investment to the city while showing off its leadership in clean energy, technology, and sustainability. She emphasized that tourism not only helps current businesses grow but also opens the door to future projects and partnerships.
Burnaby, once thought of as quiet and ordinary, is changing fast. The city is becoming a place where business, culture, and innovation come together. With more people visiting and spending money in Burnaby, it’s clear that tourism is no longer just a side note in the city’s story.
As the number of tourists continues to rise, so do the city’s ambitions. Local leaders believe that tourism will keep playing a major role in shaping Burnaby’s future. With its strong community, growing economy, and bold goals, Burnaby is on track to become a standout destination in British Columbia.
By making tourism a core part of its strategy, Burnaby is showing how a city can turn visits into lasting value. The results from 2023 point to a bright future, not just for tourism but for everyone who lives and works in Burnaby.
