Toronto Tourism Achieves Record-Breaking Year in 2025
Toronto's tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, with 2025 marking a historic high for visitor numbers and economic contributions. According to Destination Toronto, the city welcomed an unprecedented 28.2 million visitors last year, generating over $9.1 billion in direct spending. This impressive figure represents a 4% increase from the previous record, highlighting Toronto's strengthening position as a premier global destination.
Economic Impact and Visitor Demographics
The total economic impact of tourism in Toronto reached nearly $13.5 billion in 2025, with international markets playing a crucial role. Approximately 37% of tourism spending originated from the United States and other international sources. International arrivals experienced the fastest growth, rising by 8% to reach 1.4 million visitors. Notably, visitors from the United Kingdom increased by 12%, while those from Germany grew by 10%.
Domestic tourism remained the largest segment, with 25 million Canadian visitors—a 3% increase from the previous year. This growth occurred as travel to the United States declined sharply, prompting more Canadians to explore destinations within their own country. The U.S. market, while still significant as the second-largest segment, saw a 6% decrease, with 1.9 million visitors.
Leadership and Future Prospects
Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto, emphasized the city's appeal in a statement. "Against a backdrop of shifting trade policies, tariffs, and economic uncertainty, Toronto solidified its position as a top global destination," he said. "Our visitor economy showed strong resilience, as Toronto has what travellers and meeting planners are seeking—compelling experiences paired with a warm welcome."
Mayor Olivia Chow also highlighted the positive impact of tourism on local communities. "Visitors add to the vibrancy of Toronto, supporting local economies and contributing to communities across the city," she noted. "Toronto's dynamic neighbourhoods, rich cultural offerings, globally-inspired food scene, and major events and festivals continue to draw visitors from around the world. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to Toronto, we're excited to welcome the world and showcase everything our city has to offer."
Major Events and Meetings Drive Growth
Major meetings and events have become a core pillar of Toronto's visitor economy. In 2025, the city hosted 74 major meetings, attracting an estimated 378,000 delegates—a 51% year-over-year increase. These events generated $982 million in economic impact. Looking ahead, Destination Toronto and its partners have secured 70 major meetings and events for future years, projected to bring over 370,000 attendees and contribute $973 million to the economy.
Weir pointed out the broader benefits of hosting such events. "In addition to the direct spending by meeting organizers and attendees, these events also strengthen Toronto's position as a global hub for life sciences, tech, AI, or finance," he explained. "To grow our local and regional economy, it is essential that Toronto hosts the largest and most influential meetings in these sectors and be seen as a key place for global business to convene, attracting new investment, trade, and talent."
Anticipation for FIFA World Cup 2026
The largest event on the horizon is the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Toronto will serve as one of 16 host cities. The city is set to host six matches, along with the FIFA Fan Festival and various celebrations for soccer fans. This global event is expected to further boost tourism and showcase Toronto on an international stage, building on the momentum from 2025's record-breaking performance.
Toronto continues to hold its status as Canada's most-visited destination and one of the top urban destinations in North America. Visitors not only spend billions within the city but also explore surrounding regions like Niagara, Muskoka, and Ottawa, supporting thousands of businesses and jobs across Ontario. With a strong foundation in place, Toronto's tourism industry is poised for continued success in the years to come.
