Toronto's Visitor Economy Shatters Records Amid Global Uncertainty, Signaling Resilience in North American Hubs

TORONTO – The Canadian economic hub of Toronto has posted record-breaking figures for its visitor economy in 2025, signaling robust demand for North American business and leisure travel even as global trade dynamics remain fluid. Data released by Destination Toronto confirms that the city welcomed 28.2 million visitors, translating to over $9.1 billion in direct expenditures—a four percent increase over the previous year's benchmark.The growth narrative is increasingly defined by international engagement. While domestic travel accounted for 25 million visits, international arrivals, particularly from the UK (up 12%) and Germany (up 10%), represented the fastest-growing segment. Conversely, visitation from the United States saw a marginal contraction of six percent, suggesting evolving cross-border travel patterns among key demographic sets.Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto, framed the achievement within a complex macroeconomic backdrop. “Against a backdrop of shifting trade policies, tariffs and economic uncertainty, Toronto solidified its position as a top global destination,” Weir stated. He emphasized that the city’s ability to pair compelling experiences with logistical appeal is driving this resilience.A critical component of this economic influx was the dramatic recovery in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) sector. Toronto hosted 74 major meetings, marking a 51% year-over-year surge. These events attracted an estimated 378,000 delegates and injected nearly $1 billion into the local economy. City officials and economic development bodies view these conventions not merely as short-term revenue but as vital conduits for attracting foreign direct investment and high-value talent into strategic sectors such as AI, life sciences, and finance.Mayor Olivia Chow highlighted the cultural and neighborhood impact of the influx. “Toronto’s dynamic neighbourhoods, rich cultural offerings, globally inspired food scene and major events continue to draw visitors from around the world,” she noted.Looking ahead, 2026 is poised to further elevate Toronto's global profile, anchored by its role as a co-host for the FIFA World Cup, which is expected to draw massive international attention and delegate traffic. The city is also scheduled to host several high-profile scientific and technical conferences, including key meetings in quantum computing and transplant medicine, reinforcing its status as a nexus for specialized global knowledge exchange.Source attribution: Data compiled by Destination Toronto, reported January 28, 2026.