Calgary has consistently proven its ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic economic conditions. In 2024, the city experienced notable growth across key sectors, driven by population increases, diversified investments, and evolving consumer trends. This report delves into the performance of Calgary’s major industries—Travel and Tourism, Real Estate, Non-Profits, and Retail—and offers actionable insights and strategies for businesses to succeed in 2025.
1. Travel and Tourism
Calgary’s tourism sector rebounded strongly in 2024, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity.
Visitor Statistics: Calgary saw a significant increase in tourist numbers, driven by international travel, which accounted for 20% of total visits.
Economic Contribution: Tourism-related activities generated over $4 billion in revenue.
Event Success: Flagship events like the Calgary Stampede recorded record-breaking attendance with over 1.3 million visitors, boosting hotel bookings and local businesses.
Marketing Strategy for 2025:
Personalized Campaigns: Focus on digital marketing that highlights Calgary’s unique experiences.
Event Partnerships: Collaborate with local attractions to bundle packages and appeal to diverse traveler interests.
2. Real Estate
Calgary’s real estate market demonstrated resilience, driven by population growth, migration trends, and strong demand for both industrial and residential properties.
Industrial Sector: Maintained a 2.7% vacancy rate, underscoring Calgary’s role as a logistics hub.
Residential Real Estate: Average home prices rose to $550,000, while residential sales increased by 10% year-over-year, fueled by migration and affordable housing compared to other metropolitan areas.
Retail Leasing: Demand grew by 6%, particularly in mixed-use developments and suburban retail spaces.
Marketing Strategy for 2025:
Localized Advertising: Showcase neighborhood amenities and lifestyle benefits in your campaigns.
Highlight Hybrid Work Trends: Focus on marketing properties that cater to multi-functional work-and-live spaces.
3. Non-Profit Sector
Non-profits in Calgary faced funding challenges in 2024 but continued to deliver essential services and adapt to shifting donor behaviors.
Economic Contribution: The sector contributed $2.1 billion annually and supported over 20,000 jobs.
Funding Challenges: 52% of non-profits reported needing to innovate fundraising strategies due to donor fatigue.
Marketing Strategy for 2025:
Leverage Social Proof: Use impactful testimonials and success stories to build trust and engagement.
Invest in Technology: Optimize digital fundraising platforms and explore crowdfunding to attract younger donors.
4. Retail
Retail in Calgary flourished, driven by robust consumer spending and population growth.
Sales Growth: Retail sales grew by 8.5%, outperforming Alberta’s average growth of 6.2%
Category Leaders: Healthcare products saw 11% growth, while personal care items grew by 9.2%.
E-commerce: Hybrid shopping models accounted for 30% of total sales, with consumers increasingly demanding convenience and personalization.
Marketing Strategy for 2025:
Focus on Omni channel: Create seamless online-to-offline shopping experiences.
Data-Driven Personalization: Use analytics to offer tailored recommendations and loyalty programs.
2025 Insights and Strategic Recommendations
Calgary’s economy is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2025, with significant contributions from migration, infrastructure projects, and tech-driven innovation.
Key Trends to Watch:
1. AI and Automation: Businesses adopting AI for marketing, operations, and customer engagement will see measurable gains.
2. Sustainability and Ethics: Calgary’s residents are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly and socially conscious brands.
3. Community Engagement: Hyper-local marketing strategies will be essential in connecting with Calgary’s rapidly growing neighborhoods.
Top Tips for Success in 2025:
Invest in Technology: Implement tools for data-driven insights, CRM systems, and AI-powered automation. Experienced teams can guide Implementation to maximize ROI.
Content is King: Build thought leadership through consistent, high-quality content tailored to your audience. Remember, great content also needs to reach the right audience through strategic ad spend.
Focus on Customer Experience: Deliver memorable, seamless interactions across all touchpoints, whether in-store, online, or through support channels. Build a 360 customer feedback loop to accurately personalize, improve, pivot and really connect with your audience.
About Ember & Resolve
At Ember & Resolve, we believe that the strongest brands are built through strategy, creativity, and resilience. Specializing in marketing and business consulting, we empower companies to ignite growth and adapt to ever-changing market dynamics. Whether you’re looking to enhance your marketing, streamline operations, or create meaningful connections with your audience, we’re here to help you resolve challenges and achieve your goals.
Let’s make 2025 your most successful year yet. Contact us to get started.
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