A record 28.2 million visitors came to Toronto in 2025, generating a record $9.1 billion in spending, with 37 per cent of spending coming from the U.S. and international markets, according to Destination Toronto.
Generating nearly $13.5 billion in economic impact, the $9.1 billion in direct spending exceeded the previous year’s record by 4 per cent, reinforcing tourism’s role as one of the city’s most important export sectors. The daytrip and overnight visitation results are revealed in a report published by Destination Toronto.
“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.”
Major meetings and events are a core pillar of Toronto’s visitor economy. In 2025, Toronto hosted 74 major meetings with an estimated 378,000 delegates, a 51 per cent year-over-year increase, and generating $982 million in economic impact.
Beyond direct spending by organizers and attendees, major meetings play a critical role in helping the city attract new investment, trade, and talent to its key economic sectors, such as life sciences, technology, AI, manufacturing, and finance. In 2025, Destination Toronto and its partners secured new business that will bring 70 major meetings and events to Toronto in future years, estimated to deliver more than 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.
Some of these key sector meetings that will meet in Toronto in 2026 include the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 46th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions, Rendez-vous Canada, 2026 Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting, Corporate Event Marketing Association Summit, International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity & Metabolic Disorders World Congress 2026, IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering (QCE) and the Joint Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis 2026.
The largest event in 2026 is the FIFA World Cup. Toronto is one of 16 host cities, with six matches, FIFA Fan Festival – Toronto, and celebrations planned for locals and fans who travel to Toronto to be part of the excitement.
