Kelowna tourism sees growth in 2025 as major events drive spending

Kelowna saw more visitors and slightly higher tourism spending in 2025, according to Tourism Kelowna’s latest Report to the Community.

Released during the organization’s annual general meeting on May 8, the report says the region welcomed 2.2 million visitor trips last year, up 5.2 per cent from 2024. Passenger traffic through Kelowna International Airport also climbed 8.5 per cent to 2.3 million travellers.

Visitor spending reached an estimated $1.2 billion, a 2.1 per cent increase year over year.

Tourism Kelowna says major events helped fuel that growth, with sports and entertainment events generating an estimated $28.7 million in economic impact. Kelowna hosted events including the Montana’s Brier and Canadian Country Music Week in 2025.

Despite the gains, visitors spent less time in the region overall. Average stays dropped 4.3 per cent to just over two-and-a-half days, although hotel occupancy was up 3.4 per cent.

Tourism Kelowna is now looking ahead to a busy 2026, with the Memorial Cup, B.C. Lions games, Kelowna Hoopfest and the B.C. Summer Games all scheduled for the city.