This post was originally published on here
Tourism is taking centre stage in Red Deer and Red Deer County this week (April 20 to 24) as the city and county marks Tourism Week and launches its 2026 visitor guide, highlighting the growing impact of the visitor economy across Central Alberta.
Red Deer Mayor Cindy Jefferies and County Mayor Brent Ramsay have both officially proclaimed the week as Tourism Week in the region, recognizing the role tourism plays in supporting local businesses, jobs and community development.
Tourism a major economic driver
Tourism Red Deer says the industry continues to deliver strong results both locally and nationally.
In 2024, tourism generated more than $1 billion in economic impact across Central Alberta, with 4.2 million same-day visitors and 2.7 million overnight visits.
“Tourism may not always demand attention, but it consistently delivers for our community,” said Jesse Smith, CEO of Tourism Red Deer.
Across Alberta, visitor spending reached a record $15.2 billion in 2025, outpacing national growth rates.
New visitor guide launched
The 2026 official visitor guide has been released as part of the “Highway 2 More!” campaign, aimed at encouraging travellers to explore beyond simply passing through the region.
“This guide is more than a travel resource, it’s a tool that helps us build on the incredible momentum we’re seeing,” Smith said. “It allows us to better connect visitors to our experiences, businesses and stories.”
The guide includes curated itineraries, event listings, maps and highlights of both urban and rural attractions across the region.
Related Stories:
Focus on authentic experiences
This year’s guide places a strong emphasis on agri-tourism and authentic, place-based experiences, reflecting a growing trend among travellers seeking connections to local culture, food and nature.
Officials say Central Alberta is well-positioned to meet that demand through its mix of rural and urban offerings.
Community plays a role
Tourism leaders say the success of the industry depends not just on attractions, but on the people who make visitors feel welcome.
“While strong attractions bring visitors in, it’s the experience that brings them back,” Smith said.
Residents are being encouraged to explore their own city during Tourism Week, support local businesses and rediscover what Red Deer and Red Deer County have to offer.
Looking ahead
Major upcoming events, including the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, are expected to further boost the region’s profile and attract visitors from across Canada and beyond.
Officials say those opportunities, combined with ongoing tourism initiatives, continue to position Red Deer and the county as a destination worth discovering, not just a stop along the way.
For more information on attractions and events see the Visit Red Deer website.
**With information from Tourism Red Deer
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to [email protected].
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.
