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FORT McMURRAY — The Wood Buffalo region is drawing international attention as a global travel publication highlights the area as a must-visit destination this month.
Travel and Tour World, a major tourism media platform with a worldwide audience, recently named Fort McMurray the “only place you need to be” in March, pointing to the region’s mix of community events, winter experiences and cultural offerings.
The feature highlights the city’s signature WinterPLAY festival, noting its role in bringing residents and visitors together through outdoor activities such as ice slides, snow sculptures and pond hockey. While the festival wraps up in late February, the publication says its energy carries into March.
The article also points to smaller, community-driven events throughout the month, including business and civic gatherings such as the Mayor’s Address Networking Luncheon, as well as a growing local arts scene featuring exhibitions and performances.
Travel and Tour World says Fort McMurray stands out for its “intimate and vibrant community gatherings,” offering visitors a more personal experience compared with larger urban festivals.
The publication also highlights the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, from winter sports to trail systems, along with programming for families and youth.
The recognition places Fort McMurray and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo on a global stage within the tourism sector.
Travel and Tour World reaches more than 15 million readers worldwide and publishes content in multiple languages, connecting travellers, tourism professionals and industry leaders across more than 100 regional editions.
The platform works with more than 1,200 international travel events and trade shows and is widely used by destination marketing organizations, airlines and tourism operators to track trends and promote destinations.
The feature suggests Fort McMurray’s appeal lies not only in large-scale events, but in its strong sense of community and year-round cultural activity — factors the publication says are increasingly valued by travellers seeking more authentic experiences.
Officials in the region have been working to expand tourism and diversify the local economy, with attention from international platforms seen as a potential boost for visitor numbers and broader awareness.
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