Southern Alberta tourism industry records strong numbers in 2024 – Lethbridge [Video]

Last year, over 300 buses of tourists made the trek to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, west of Fort Macleod, Alta.

The UNESCO World Heritage site welcomed an estimated 60,000 guests from around the world while sharing the history of the land.

“For thousands of years, our folks have been running buffalo over these cliffs. We want to protect and preserve the site and the story,” said Quinton Crowshoe, an employee at the centre.

It’s one of four UNESCO World Heritage sites dotted around Lethbridge, with each bringing in thousands of people every year. However, Tourism Lethbridge says the goal is not necessarily more people, but more money spent per visit.

In 2024, their goal was achieved. Tourists spent 5.5 per cent more in Lethbridge than they did the year before.

“The province as a whole saw a 10-per cent increase in visitor spending, so we’re really putting our share forward,” said Erin Crane, CEO of Tourism …