Room nights, cruise ships and a city in demand

One of the strongest signs of recovery has been in hotel performance. In 2024, Halifax saw approximately 1.63 million hotel room nights sold — a 2.6% increase over 2023 and an 11.4% jump from 2019 levels. The increase in demand even outpaced a 5% growth in hotel supply, a signal that the city is drawing not just more visitors, but longer stays.

The cruise industry, another pillar of Halifax’s visitor economy, also made waves. Passenger traffic grew by nearly 20% over the previous year, reinforcing the port’s reputation as one of Canada’s top cruise destinations and a gateway to Atlantic culture and cuisine.

Major destination events were also a driving force in 2024. Halifax hosted the Juno Awards and the Pickleball Canada National Championship, contributing to a banner year for event tourism. Discover Halifax submitted 298 bids for business events and secured 145 wins, a success rate that was 18% higher than in 2023.

Smart investing starts here

Get 100 free online equity trades with promo code EDGE100 when you open a CIBC Investor’s Edge account by Sept. 30, 2025. Click now to unlock 100 free trades and take control of your investments.

Get started today

Community buy-in and quality of life

Perhaps one of the most encouraging indicators comes not from tourists, but from the people who live and work in the region. In a recent public survey, 88% of Halifax residents said they viewed tourism’s impact on their community as “positive” or “very positive,” up from 80% in 2023.

This growing community support reflects a broader sense that tourism is bringing more than economic activity — it’s enhancing local culture, amenities and services.

Planning for long-term, sustainable growth

Looking ahead, the city’s ambitions are being shaped by the Halifax Regional Integrated Tourism Master Plan, which lays out a roadmap to 2030. The plan focuses on sustainable growth, destination development and ensuring tourism remains a benefit, not a burden, for residents.

Discover Halifax and its partners are investing not just in visitor numbers, but in quality-of-life improvements and resilient infrastructure. From inclusive programming to support for local businesses, the city’s tourism strategy aims to be as durable as it is ambitious.

With rich maritime history, a thriving food scene and growing international visibility, Halifax is quickly becoming one of Canada’s most compelling year-round destinations.

And for investors, small business owners and hospitality professionals, the message is clear: Halifax is open for business — and booming.

Sources

1. Discover Halifax

2. Discover Halifax: 2024 Annual Report

3. Downtown Halifax: Data & Reporting

4. Halifax.com: 2024 Resident Survey (October 2024)

Sponsored

Get up to $500 when you open a Tangerine Chequing Account

From July 8–14, score up to $500 in bonuses when you open a Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account. Enjoy unlimited transactions, free Interac e-Transfers®, and no monthly fees—plus a limited-time cash bonus. Claim your $500 bonus

Leslie Kennedy Senior Content Editor

Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.

Explore the latest articles

Rate cuts aren't bringing relief

For most Canadians, the math still doesn't work

Leslie Kennedy Senior Content Editor

Here's the net worth you need to join Canada's 1%
Chris MacDonald

How to put Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps into action
Phil Osagie

Canadians feel unsure about their finances
Romana King

Disclaimer

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.

†Terms and Conditions apply.