In this issue:

• DT Briefs City Hall on Toronto's Visitor Economy;
• Growing Toronto’s Global Business Events Pipeline;
• 100% Brand Anthem Wins Applied Arts Media award;
• Positioning Toronto Innovation for U.K. Meeting Planners, and more.

DT Briefs City Hall on Toronto's Visitor Economy

Earlier this week, CEO Andrew Weir presented to city councillors at the Economic and Community Development Committee meeting, sharing an update on market conditions, opportunities to maximize the impact of visitor spending and attract new visitors, and the creation of a Destination Master Plan for Toronto.

Growing Toronto’s Global Business Events Pipeline

The Toronto team completed 100+ meetings with global planners and partners and hosted a corporate client dinner with U.K. agency AbleMaxx at IBTM World in Barcelona last month, generating leads to support future business event bookings in the city.

100% Brand Anthem Wins Applied Arts Media award

We’re thrilled to share that our 100% brand anthem has been recognized with an Applied Arts Media award, celebrating excellence across advertising, design, and digital innovation. This recognition reinforces the strength of our brand storytelling and the work that we’re doing to invite visitors to experience Toronto’s unmistakable vibe for themselves.

Positioning Toronto Innovation for U.K. Meeting Planners

As part of DT’s U.K. business events’ strategy, we’re partnering with AbleMaxx on their International Workshop today at Wembley Stadium, where we’re also welcoming Toronto-based keynote speaker Amrita Bhalla. Amrita’s session will tackle AI opportunities and risks for event planners in the hospitality and tourism industry, tackling the balance between technological adoption and maintaining the human connection.

Building Long-Term Competitiveness in the European Market

With long-haul visitors staying longer and spending more, market diversification remains essential to Toronto’s growth. CBC checked in with Destination Toronto to learn how our new U.K. and German offices are helping build long-term competitiveness.

Advocating for Toronto’s Visitor Economy in Ottawa

Last month, Canada’s tourism sector gathered in Ottawa at TIAC Tourism Congress and met with Minister Rechie Valdez at the TIAC Hill Day Forum. Conversations focused on the resilience of tourism, the vital role of business events to support year-round visitation, and unifying the sector to drive future growth.

Donate to Relax, Recharge, Renew and give hope to local families

As is our end of year tradition, we’re looking for in-kind support for Relax, Recharge Renew to provide gifted staycations to parents of kids with complex special needs. Thanks to the generous donations of our partners and members, 700 families have benefited from RRR since 2008, and we’re aiming to welcome 40 more in 2026.

Reminder to DT Members: Share Your Input! 

We’re asking Destination Toronto members to take a quick five-minute survey to help inform our membership program. Member respondents have a chance to win two 7-Day Brew Passes, a dinner for two, and a TIFF Membership. We’ve extended the survey deadline to December 10 at 5 p.m.

Welcoming new DT team members

Join us in welcoming two new DT team members: Therese Sevilla, Graphic Designer, Global Marketing; and Amelia Papaikonomou, Office Coordinator & Executive Assistant, Global Marketing.

Restaurants Canada’s Kelly Higginson Joins TIAO Podcast

On the most recent TIAO Forward Motion Podcast, Kelly Higginson provided an in-depth look at Canada’s restaurant industry, outlining its complex challenges—from rising costs to workforce shortages—and the innovative solutions emerging in response.