We’ve always known the powerful beauty and tranquility of Kananaskis Country and now the world is seeing it through the eyes of G7 leaders who spent a mere 36 hours here. Today, I chatted with Noah Brennan with the Calgary Herald about the beneficial exposure the meeting of world leaders has had on our region.
I’ve copied the article below and highlighted the best parts but you can read the entire G7 exposure article on the Calgary Herald’s website.
– Jaxy + Todd
As world leaders took in the scenery around Kananaskis during this week’s G7 summit, millions of their online followers did, too — and Alberta’s tourism industry is optimistic it will reap the rewards for years to come.
With the summit concluding Tuesday, tourism and hospitality officials are optimistic the global exposure will translate into long-term economic benefits.
“We believe that, in the long term, there will potentially be more people from the U.S. and internationally (who) pick Kananaskis as a destination,” he said, noting positive feedback from G7 delegates. “The general sentiment was: ‘What a stunning location,’ ” he said.
‘We look forward to continuing to welcome the world’
At the River Retreat Kananaskis, owners Jaxy and Todd Broadbent said they’ve seen a significant surge in web traffic and inquiries to their boutique lodge leading up to and during the G7 summit. “It’s fantastic for our area,” said Jaxy Broadbent. “It is absolutely exposing the world to different parts of Alberta.” Broadbent expects this exposure will “absolutely” boost business in the long term. “We have more exposure because of it — it’s huge,” she said. “We find it quite exciting.”
Tourism Canmore Kananaskis CEO Rachel Ludwig said the summit will help elevate the region’s profile in key international markets. “While we are becoming a world-class, bucket-list destination, we do anticipate the G7 Leaders’ Summit to only brighten the spotlight on us more,” Ludwig said in a statement. “We know that international guests are more likely to stay longer and spend more.
“As the summit wraps up, we look forward to continuing to welcome the world, from families to couples to solo travellers to world leaders to Canmore and Kananaskis.”
Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno is hopeful the exposure will not only boost visitors but spread it more evenly throughout the year beyond its peak summer season. “Although the timing of the G7 is happening during our summer season, we also encourage folks to make plans to visit Banff in our less busy fall and winter season,” DiManno said in an emailed statement. “It’s just as spectacular and there are so many activities and adventures unique to Canada’s first national park to experience.”
As the summit wrapped on Tuesday, the long-term tourism effects remain to be seen, but the global reach is undeniable, with social media users around the world taking note of what the region has to offer.
“What part of Canada is this . . . looks incredible,” wrote one X user.