Toronto welcomed a record 28.2 million visitors in 2025 who spent a record $9.1 billion in the city, according to a report released Thursday by Destination Toronto, highlighting tourism’s role as a major export sector for the local economy.
The agency said the direct visitor spending generated nearly $13.5 billion in total economic impact and exceeded the previous year’s record by four per cent, with 37 per cent of spending coming from U.S. and international visitors. The figures include both daytrip and overnight visitation.
Record results for visitor economy
Destination Toronto said the results reflect strong overall growth in the city’s visitor economy during 2025.
“Against a backdrop of shifting trade policies, tariffs and economic uncertainty, Toronto solidified its position as a top global destination,” said Andrew Weir, president and CEO of Destination Toronto. “Our visitor economy showed strong resilience, as Toronto has what travellers and meeting planners are seeking – compelling experiences paired with a warm welcome.”
International travel leads growth
International arrivals were the fastest-growing segment of tourism last year, rising eight per cent to 1.4 million visitors. Growth was led by the United Kingdom and Germany, which were up 12 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.
Destination Toronto said it increased Toronto’s visibility in the U.K., Germany and Mexico in 2025, along with the U.S. market, to support international visitation and advance the city’s global tourism strategy ahead of 2026.
Domestic and U.S. visitation trends
Domestic visitation remained the largest segment of the city’s visitor economy, with 25 million visitors, up three per cent year over year. Destination Toronto said the increase came as Canadian travel to the United States declined sharply and more Canadians travelled within their own country.
The U.S. market was the second-largest segment, with 1.9 million visitors, down six per cent from the previous year.
Economic benefits extend beyond Toronto
Destination Toronto said visitor spending in the city also supports economic activity elsewhere in Ontario.
“Visitors to Toronto leave a large economic footprint, spending billions of dollars in the city, and then exploring beyond Toronto in destinations like Niagara, Muskoka and Ottawa. Whether they visit Toronto for leisure or for business or to attend a meeting, Toronto’s visitors spend $2.2 billion and support thousands of businesses and jobs in other parts of Ontario,” said Weir.
The agency said the city remains Canada’s most-visited destination and one of the top urban destinations in North America, supported by a wide range of neighbourhoods, cultural attractions, food offerings and events.
City highlights tourism’s community impact
Mayor Olivia Chow said visitors play an important role in supporting local communities across Toronto.
“Visitors add to the vibrancy of Toronto, supporting local economies and contributing to communities across the city,” Chow said. “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 meetings drive business travel
Major meetings and events — defined as multi-day events with more than 1,000 attendees — remain a core pillar of Toronto’s visitor economy, Destination Toronto said.
In 2025, Toronto hosted 74 major meetings, drawing an estimated 378,000 delegates. That marked a 51 per cent increase from the previous year and generated an estimated $982 million in economic impact.
Securing future meetings and investment
Beyond direct spending, Destination Toronto said major meetings help attract investment, trade and talent in sectors including life sciences, technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing and finance.
In 2025, Destination Toronto and its partners secured future business expected to bring 70 major meetings and events to Toronto in coming years, representing an estimated 370,000 attendees and $973 million in economic impact.
“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. 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,” said Weir.
Key events and global spotlight in 2026
Major meetings scheduled for Toronto in 2026 include the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 46th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions, Rendez-vous Canada, the 2026 Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting, the Corporate Event Marketing Association Summit, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity & Metabolic Disorders World Congress 2026, the IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering and a joint meeting of the Americas and European committees for treatment and research in multiple sclerosis.
The largest event planned for 2026 is the FIFA World Cup™, with Toronto named as one of 16 host cities. The city will host six matches, along with FIFA Fan Festival™ events and other celebrations.
Destination Toronto said the tournament will place the city in the global spotlight for billions of viewers worldwide.
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