Summer 2025 update

We began the year at a record high for visitation, with total rooms sold reaching historic levels last year. That momentum has carried us into 2025, shaped by a few important trends.

As anticipated, domestic travel is surging. Ongoing tariff disputes and politically charged rhetoric between Canada and the U.S. - including the now-infamous “51st state” comments - have led many Canadians to cancel U.S. travel in favour of exploring within Canada, and Halifax is benefiting directly from this shift.

Demand remains strong across all markets - cruise, rubber tire, air, and conventions and events – and many of you have told us business is healthy. We have heard that booking windows seem shorter though, with more last-minute commitments.

Occupancy is high, room rates are up, and nights where the destination is at accommodation capacity are becoming more common. We expect some relief later this summer as renovations wrap up, but July and August will remain tight.

However, room supply is currently presenting a challenge in Halifax. Renovations and community-use accommodations have reduced the inventory available to the visitor economy. Year-to-date, supply is down 4.6 per cent, while rooms sold are down only 1.4 per cent, highlighting strong demand.

Looking forward, the outlook remains optimistic. Recent years have brought major hotel investments such as the Muir, Moxy, the Sandman, Sutton Place, Holiday Inn Dartmouth, and Halifax Tower, bringing our room supply to just under 6,500. With demand strong and growing, Halifax continues to make a compelling case for new development.

We’ve also expanded our marketing investments to reach national, and select international markets, with the goal of increasing visitation and growing air capacity. Our newly launched Festivals and Events department is already in action, and we’re close to completing a major update to our Integrated Tourism Master Plan.

Despite talk of a potential national economic slowdown, we haven’t seen material impacts locally, though we’re monitoring closely. For now, the visitor economy remains solid and resilient and in short, Halifax is thriving.

With your support, we are building a visitor economy that is strong, competitive, and increasingly recognized on the national stage. Thank you for your continued commitment to welcoming the world to our region.