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Tourism Revenues

Tourism revenues are a measure of the economic impact of tourism. They include all tourism-related spending within Nova Scotia by non-resident visitors and Nova Scotians travelling within the province. Spending categories include accommodations, food and beverage, transportation, recreation & entertainment, and retail.

Estimated spend data is derived from Destination Canada's Lodging Aligned Spend Reporting (LASR). Use, distribution, or republication of these estimates requires Destination Canada's written consent.

More information on LASR can be found here: https://www.tourismdatacollective.ca/lodging-aligned-spend-reporting.  

2026 Tourism Revenues

Tourism Revenues by Quarter

Tourism activity in Nova Scotia generated tourism revenues of $1.4 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 2.4% ($32 million) compared with 2025. Tourism revenues at the national level declined by 3% compared with 2025.

Graphic indicating tourism revenue by quarter.

2025 Tourism Revenues

Tourism Revenues

Tourism activity in Nova Scotia generated revenues of $3.7 billion in 2025, an increase of 8% from 2024. This outpaced national revenue growth of 3%. 

Graphic indicating tourism revenues from 2019 to 2025

Tourism Revenues by Source Market
  • Nova Scotians account for a significant portion of tourism spending in the province. The United States accounts for 18% - this includes overnight visitors as well as spending from the several hundred thousand American cruise visitors to Nova Scotia. 
  • Reflective of the current geopolitical situation, the United States accounted for a smaller proportion of tourism revenues in 2025, with Quebec and overseas markets accounting for a slightly higher portion.


Graphic of total revenues by source market.

Tourism Revenues by Category

The food & beverage category accounts for the largest share of tourism spending, followed by accommodations. Retail is the smallest category, at 12%.

Graphic indicating tourism revenues by category
 

Tourism Revenues by Tourism Region
  • Halifax Metro has the largest share of tourism revenues, accounting for 38% of all tourism spending in the province, followed by Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley, and Cape Breton. 


    Graphic indicating tourism revenues by region.
Tourism GDP

Tourism GDP is a measure of the importance of tourism to the provincial economy.
 

  • Annual tourism GDP was $2.6 billion in 2025, an increase of $200 million (+8%) compared with 2024.

Graphic indicating tourism GDP.

Tourism Indicators: