Kamloops Gears Up for Year-Round Growth After a Strong Summer Season
Kamloops Golf & Country Club
Mary Putnam
This summer, Kamloops proved once again it's a dynamic, year-round destination on the rise. While traditional hotel occupancy held steady, targeted experiences in sport tourism, golf, and family attractions saw significant growth, pointing to a robust and resilient visitor economy.
Industry Update: September 25, 2025
Summer Highlights That Moved the Needle
Visitor Engagement Up 42%
With over 8,277 visitors engaged by our team so far this year, on-the-ground interactions saw a 42% increase over 2024. This marks a growing demand for authentic experiences and real connections—core pillars of Kamloops' brand promise.
Tournament Capital Status Reinforced
Kamloops hosted nearly 200 teams during the World Slow Pitch Championships, and the Kamloops International Cup brought in even more visitors. These events not only drive overnight stays, they spotlight Kamloops as a premier host city for major competitions.
Golf Stays Hot
Golf Kamloops is on track to surpass 2024 numbers, contributing to a trend of strong regional travel. This aligns with broader interest in recreational getaways, especially among drive-market visitors from BC and Alberta.
BC Wildlife Park | Wildlife Admirer
Wildlife Park Sees Record Summer
The BC Wildlife Park welcomed 45,991 visitors—its strongest summer on record! August alone brought 17,026 guests, thanks in part to the wildly successful BC Bear Day, which drew families from across the Interior.
Outdoor Adventures Surge
Mountain biking, hiking, and trail use soared across the city, showing that visitors are embracing Kamloops' accessible, adventure-filled landscape. Strategic marketing investments and trail development continue to fuel this interest.
Domestic Visitation Rises
In-person visitor engagements indicated a slight dip in US numbers, while domestic travel increased by 3%, reinforcing the city’s growing appeal to Canadian travelers looking for meaningful, easy-to-plan getaways.
Looking Ahead: Fall & Winter Are Ready to Shine
As we transition into the cooler months, Tourism Kamloops is doubling down on shoulder season promotions—from the 50th anniversaries of the Western Canada Theatre and the Kamloops Symphony, to the first annual Christmas Market and our expanding cultural calendar.
"Kamloops is built for all seasons," said Tourism Kamloops CEO Erik Fisher. "We’re leveraging the energy of summer and channeling it into exciting fall and winter campaigns that spotlight arts, culture, and connection."
Gary Yu, Chair of the Kamloops Accommodation Association, echoed the optimism: “We have a solid foundation to grow from. Our events, amenities, and visitor services are creating an experience that keeps people coming back.”
Kamloops is evolving—guided by community-first values, a deep connection to the land, and the kind of momentum that doesn’t slow down with the seasons. Let’s keep it going.
Have insights or ideas to share? Reach out to the Tourism Kamloops team and let’s continue building a destination we’re all proud to call home.
