Tourism in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) continued to reach new heights in 2025, with record visitation, growing air access, and more than two million combined room nights sold, reinforcing the region’s position as Atlantic Canada’s leading destination.
Discover Halifax released its 2025 Annual Report today, highlighting another strong year for HRM. In 2025, combined hotel and short-term rental room nights surpassed two million for the first time, reaching 2,008,350 room nights sold, representing a two per cent increase over 2024.
“As we reflect on 2025, Halifax’s tourism industry demonstrated steady performance and continued momentum, even as it navigated capacity pressures and a shifting global environment,” said Ross Jefferson, President and CEO. “These results reinforce the sustained appeal of HRM as a destination, and the growing demand across both leisure and business travel.”
The report highlights a year of success, and strong performance across Discover Halifax’s Key Performance Indicators:
- Successful business event bids generated an estimated economic impact of more than $76.5 million, an increase of 17 per cent over 2024;
- Successful festival and event bids more than doubled in economic impact, reaching $49.3 million;
- DiscoverHalifaxNS.com visits increased 36 per cent year-over-year to more than 2.6 million;
- Member page views increased 28 per cent, supporting greater visibility for local tourism businesses; and
- Resident sentiment toward tourism remained strong, with 90 per cent of surveyed residents viewing tourism as having a positive impact on the community.
“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do,” said Jefferson. “The progress we’re seeing is made possible through strong partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders. HRM is well positioned for the future, and we are ready to continue shaping a vibrant and sustainable tourism sector.”
Tourism continues to play a critical role in the local economy by supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to the municipal tax base. Discover Halifax remains committed to ensuring growth is balanced, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of residents and communities across the region.
To view the 2025 Annual Report, click here.
To view the 2025 Balanced Scorecard, click here.
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