Toronto’s tourism industry reached a new milestone last year, with a record number of visitors and unprecedented economic returns, according to Destination Toronto.
The city welcomed 28.2 million visitors, who together spent $9.1 billion, marking the highest tourism spending Toronto has ever recorded. The activity generated an estimated $13.5 billion in total economic impact, reinforcing tourism’s role as a major driver of the city’s economy.
Andrew Weir, president and chief executive officer of Destination Toronto, said the results reflect the city’s ability to thrive despite global economic challenges.
“At a time of shifting trade policies, tariffs, and broader economic uncertainty, Toronto strengthened its standing as a leading global destination,” said Andrew Weir. “Our visitor economy proved resilient because Toronto offers what travellers and meeting planners are looking for distinctive experiences and a genuinely welcoming city.”
International tourism was the fastest-growing segment in 2025. Overseas arrivals increased eight per cent to 1.4 million visitors, driven largely by stronger travel from Europe. Visitors from the United Kingdom rose by 12 per cent, while arrivals from Germany climbed 10 per cent.
Domestic travel continued to dominate overall numbers. Canadians accounted for 25 million visits, a three per cent increase, as fewer Canadians travelled to the United States and more chose destinations within their own country.
The United States remained Toronto’s second-largest source market, though visits declined six per cent to 1.9 million, reflecting changing travel patterns.
Major meetings and large-scale events played a central role in the record-breaking year. Toronto hosted 74 major conferences and conventions, welcoming an estimated 378,000 delegates a 51 per cent increase from the previous year. These events alone contributed roughly $982 million in economic impact.
Destination Toronto noted that the benefits extend beyond hotel stays and restaurant spending.
Major meetings, the agency said, help position the city as a hub for life sciences, technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and finance, attracting investment, trade opportunities, and skilled talent.
Looking forward, Toronto is preparing for an even larger international spotlight. In 2026, the city will be one of 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup, staging six matches along with city-wide celebrations for residents and visitors.
Destination Toronto also announced it has secured 70 additional major meetings and events for future years, expected to attract more than 370,000 attendees and generate close to $973 million in economic impact.
With strong visitor numbers, growing global interest, and major international events on the horizon, Toronto’s tourism sector appears poised to remain a key pillar of the city’s economic growth.
