City of Peterborough celebrates National Tourism Week

Peterborough, ON – From nationally recognized festivals to major sporting events and growing media attention, Peterborough continues to build its reputation as a dynamic destination — and National Tourism Week is a time to celebrate the impact of that momentum.

From April 20 to 24, the City of Peterborough joins communities from coast to coast to coast in Canada that are celebrating National Tourism Week, an annual initiative led by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

Tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver in Peterborough. The City and surrounding area welcome more than three million visitors annually, with $277 million in annual visitor spend. Across Peterborough, the tourism sector includes more than 400 businesses and supports more than 3,000 jobs — fueling local entrepreneurship, strengthening small businesses, and enhancing quality of life for residents.

“Tourism plays a vital role in Peterborough’s economy and identity,” says Mayor Jeff Leal. “Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible success from the Peterborough Tourism team and the local industry – from award-winning festivals to national sporting events and increased media attention. These achievements not only bring visitors to our city, they also create jobs, support local businesses, and contribute to the vibrant community we’re proud to call home. National Tourism Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate this important sector and the people behind it.”

Over the past year, Peterborough has continued to gain recognition as a must-visit destination. The community hosted travel media, including CP24 Breakfast, generating valuable national and international coverage that showcased the region’s experiences, attractions, and natural assets to new audiences.

Signature events also earned significant acclaim, with festivals such as the Peterborough Folk Festival, Peterborough Musicfest, and the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour (an initiative of the Art Gallery of Peterborough), which were each recognized with awards from Festivals and Events Ontario earlier this year. The prestigious awards are a testament to the region’s thriving arts and culture scene.

Peterborough’s attractions, vibrant downtown, and tourism businesses continue to draw attention as well, with world-class experiences and iconic spots that reinforce the city’s reputation as a cultural and outdoor hub.

Sport tourism remains a growing strength for the city. Coincidentally, Peterborough will be playing host to the TELUS Cup during National Tourism Week. The TELUS Cup is a premier national hockey championship tournament that will bring athletes, families, and fans to the community while generating meaningful economic impact for local businesses.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore local experiences, support tourism businesses, and share what they love about Peterborough.

For more information on things to see and do, visit ptbotourism.ca.

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