Toronto breaks tourism record with 43 million visitors in 2017
2017 was a record-breaking tourism year for Toronto.
In the past year, Toronto welcomed 43.7 million visitors, and for the first time, had 15.5 million overnight visits downtown, in addition to 28.2 million same-day travellers.
These visits were a significant boost to the economy, as Toronto visitors spent $8.8 billion in 2017, which is the most economic activity ever generated by the region’s tourism industry.
In fact, this boost represents $700 million more in hotel rooms booked, attractions seen and restaurants experienced than in 2016, according to Tourism Toronto.
International visits also set a record in 2017, as Toronto welcomed 5 million out of country visitors for the first time. Nearly 3 million of these visits were from our neighbours south of the border, who spent close to $1.8 billion on overnight stays.
Overseas visitors also played an important factor in the growth of tourism in 2017, as overnight visits from China (319,000) and the U.K. (263,000), accounted for more than $2 billion for the first time.
Great news and another sign that our city is booming! Toronto had a record-breaking tourism year in 2017. 43.7 million people visited Toronto and they spent $8.8 billion – $700 million more than 2016. #SeeTorontoNowpic.twitter.com/yxqI1vlb87
— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 24, 2018
Major events played a big role in attracting visitors to Toronto, with multi-sport events like the Invictus Games and the North American Indigenous Games. Another contributor was Toronto’s thriving tech and business industries.
Now that 2018 is in full swing, we can look forward to welcoming even more visitors to our incredible city.
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