Toronto welcomed a record 28.2 million visitors in 2025. $9.1 billion in direct spending was generated with nearly $13.5 billion in total economic impact, according to a new report released by Destination Toronto.
Direct visitor spending rose four percent year over year, with 37% coming from U.S. and international markets.
“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.
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International arrivals were the fastest-growing segment, increasing eight percent to 1.4 million visitors.
Growth was led by the U.K. and Germany. Destination Toronto pointed to expanded destination marketing in the U.K., Germany and Mexico, alongside continued focus on the U.S. market, as part of its global strategy to support further growth in 2026.
Domestic Travel Dominates
Domestic travel remained the largest source of visitation, accounting for 25 million visitors, up three percent year over year.
The increase came as Canadian travel to the U.S. declined and more Canadians chose to travel within the country.
The U.S. market remained Toronto’s second-largest source, with 1.9 million visitors, though that figure was down six percent from 2024.
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Toronto continues to rank as Canada’s most-visited destination and one of the leading urban destinations in North America.
“Visitors to Toronto leave a large economic footprint, spending billions of dollars in the city, and then exploring beyond Toronto in destinations like Niagara, Muskoka and Ottawa,” said Weir.
Major Meetings and Events
The city hosted 74 large-scale meetings with more than 1,000 attendees, welcoming an estimated 378,000 delegates. That represents a 51% year-over-year increase and generated $982 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,” said Weir. “
Confirmed 2026 meetings include global conferences alongside major industry gatherings such as Rendez-vous Canada.
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The largest event on Toronto’s 2026 calendar is the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Toronto is one of 16 host cities and will stage six matches, a FIFA Fan Festival, and city-wide celebrations, putting the destination on the global stage for billions of viewers.
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