Tourism spending in Manitoba hit a record high in 2024, shattering records set during the two years prior — but the upwards trajectory may be paused.

Travel Manitoba announced a milestone $1.89 billion spend Wednesday. However, it warned this year’s wildfire season could have halted the tourism sector’s growth.

“We have obviously had a very challenging summer,” said Colin Ferguson, president of Travel Manitoba.

Wildfires forced evacuations in northern communities, affecting some 100 tourism assets, Travel Manitoba estimated earlier this year. It doesn’t yet know the full effect on the industry.

The Crown corporation turned its eyes to 2024 during its annual general meeting Wednesday in Winnipeg.

As in years past, Manitobans accounted for the bulk of tourism, with 9.28 million of the t

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