In this issue you’ll find:

• Q1 2025 Market Performance Highlights;
• Q2 Market Readiness Index;
• A reminder to opt-in to DT’s annual membership;
• And more.

In the first quarter of 2025, Toronto saw 1.7 million visitors, down 4% year-over-year, as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty weighed on travel. Visitor spending also edged down 2% to $1.7 billion. Amid these headwinds, meetings and conventions were up 21%, generating $149 million in economic activity.

Although arrivals lagged in Q1, they account for less than one-fifth of Toronto’s annual visitation. The visitor economy is poised for growth, with the city entering its busiest season and summer hotel bookings currently pacing ahead of last year.

Read the full Q1 2025 Market Performance Highlights report.

Don’t miss out on member benefits

It’s less than one month until the end of our 2025 membership drive! Businesses need to opt-in annually to gain and maintain membership benefits, including attending exclusive events, like our AGM on June 10th.

Supporting Toronto’s Night Economy

DT’s Kelly Jackson, VP of Destination Development, and Sarah Jarvis, Director of Community Engagement, recently participated in the City of Toronto’s Night Economy Town Hall. Discussions focused on finding the right balance of regulation and support to help Toronto’s nightlife thrive and the impact of new spaces, like the Rogers Stadium.

An eTourism win for our regional winter campaign

Destination Toronto and Ottawa Tourism won Best Social Media Campaign at the 2025 eTSY Awards for our Holiday City Swap partnership, which saw popular influencers swap cities to promote winter visitation.

Welcoming new DT team members

Join us in welcoming new Destination Toronto team members: Sharon Ojelabi, Social Media Manager; Revati Daoo, Digital Operations Director; and Juan M Gonzalez-Calcaneo, Media Relations Manager, International Markets.

Strut with DT at Pride!

Destination Toronto is inviting the tourism and hospitality community to march with us at The Pride Toronto Parade on Sunday, June 29th. Save the date—more details to come!

FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and The Bentway

The City of Toronto has confirmed Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway as the official venues for FIFA Fan Festival Toronto, marking a milestone in the city's preparations to welcome the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Exploring Asian Heritage Month in Toronto

Toronto is a hotspot for Asian culture. Here’s where to dive into the diaspora, during Asian Heritage Month and beyond.

Victory Cruise Lines returns to Toronto

Victory 1 was recently christened in Toronto, with a one-night stay included for all passengers. Cruise visitation is a key part of Toronto’s visitor economy, bringing a record 47 cruise ships and over 20,000 passengers this year.