INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & UPDATES FOR FEB 15, 2024

In this issue, find business highlights from the NHL-All Star Game, get an update on DT’s winter marketing activity, save the date for the Spring Briefing, and more.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NHL ALL-STAR GAME

Bieber, Buble, Arnett and McRae brought the laughs while the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend made a significant impact, generating an estimated $54M in economic benefits with downtown hotel accommodation demand up 35% over the previous year.

TARGETING REGIONAL TRAVELLERS DURING WINTER 

Destination Toronto is collaborating with six influencers to create 45+ posts (17M impressions) highlighting Toronto’s arts, culture, entertainment, food, nightlife, style and other winter experiences.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SPRING BRIEFING: MARCH 25, 2024

Save the date for the third annual Spring Briefing on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Arcadian Court. Join us and learn about Destination Toronto’s key initiatives and activities in the months ahead.

TORONTO WILL HOST SIX FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ MATCHES

The City of Toronto will host six matches in the FIFA World Cup 26™, kicking off on June 12, 2026 with the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup™ match on Canadian soil and featuring Canada’s Men’s National Team.

TIAO CALLS FOR SOLUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CAP

The cap on international student permits is expected to disproportionately affect Ontario’s tourism and hospitality postsecondary programs and industry workforce. The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is calling for collaborative, proactive solutions among all stakeholders and levels of government.

ATTRACT WORKERS THROUGH TIAO’S WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM

TIAO's Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program is running until March 31, 2024 and employers can still benefit from registering today. A guide of consolidated resources is available, with funding and training for those who have new and eligible employees.

The below citywide meetings (more than 1,500 attendees) will be in Toronto over the next two months.

The World's Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention (PDAC) - Mar 3-6, 2024

ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting - Mar 10-16, 2024

Association of Fundraising Professionals AFP ICON 2024 - Apr 3-10, 2024

Ontario Dental Association ODA 2024 Annual Spring Meeting - Apr 16-20, 2024

Ontario Public Service Employee Union 2024 Annual Conference - Apr 21-27, 2024

The 7th Annual FNMPC Conference - Apr 22-23,2024

American Association for Thoracic Surgery AATS 2024 Annual Meeting - Apr 23-May 1, 2024

Pediatric Academic Societies - PAS 2024 Annual Meeting - Apr 30-May 8, 2024

ITAC International Indigenous Tourism Conference - February 26-28, 2024, Shaw Centre, Ottawa

TRBOT Annual Dinner 2024: Dare to Lead - February 29, 2024, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism – ONTARIO: A Regional Event - May 5-7, 2024, Toronto, Ontario