As spring unfurled and the Okanagan Valley came alive with colour and motion, Kelowna’s tourism industry delivered a strong second quarter, building on momentum from the first few months of the year with robust growth across key performance indicators. Data from the second quarter highlights a destination on the rise, backed by strong accommodation demand, expanding air traffic, and evolving visitor behaviour.

Accommodations 

Demand Blooms Across All Segments

^{Coast Capri Hotel. Image credit: BC Ale Trail & Norma Ibarra}

Kelowna’s Hotels, Motels & Resorts continued their strong showing, with consistent year-over-year (YOY) increases in Occupancy, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR). Every month in Q2 outperformed the same period in 2024, setting new seasonal benchmarks and demonstrating the enduring pull of Kelowna’s spring and early summer experiences.

Short-term rentals also reflected resilience in a changing regulatory landscape. While total listings and reservations remained lower, the available inventory performed exceptionally well. Average daily rates were up +6.6% YOY, while occupancy soared by +15.3% across the quarter. This signals strong demand for alternative accommodations, particularly among travellers seeking local, flexible options.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW)

Record-Breaking Quarter

^{Image credit: Michael Hintringer Photography}

YLW saw YOY gains in every month of Q2, with June standing out at +9% growth. New benchmarks were set for passenger volume and connectivity, strengthening the region’s gateway and supporting year-round destination growth. As we push forward with our four-season strategy, air access remains a critical pillar in reaching key domestic markets and supporting sustainable visitation.

Visitor Spending 

Strength in Core Categories, Shifts in Experiences

^{Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market. Image credit: Matt Ferguson Photography}

Adjusted data for Estimated Visitor Spending now indicates a YOY decrease of 6%, due primarily to a drop in the Recreation & Entertainment category. All other spending categories (Accommodation, Food & Beverage, Retail, etc.) are up YOY, as is spending from US travellers. 

This data reflects broader provincial and national patterns, pointing to evolving consumer priorities and external economic factors. For local tourism businesses, the data emphasizes the value of focusing on immersive, value-rich experiences that respond to visitor expectations while strengthening Kelowna’s unique sense of place.

Looking Ahead 

Insights That Shape Strategy

The Q2 indicators reaffirm Kelowna’s strength as a spring destination that balances natural beauty, innovative experiences, and strong regional connectivity. With the visitor economy continuing to evolve, opportunities for collaboration, creative product development, and visitor education remain key to sustainable growth.

For detailed monthly data and interactive charts, visit the Tourism Kelowna Industry Dashboard (Partner Portal login required).

Let’s keep building a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient destination, together.