| There’s a new face in charge of promoting tourism for Canada’s biggest city.
Destination Toronto today announced the appointment of Andrew Weir as President & CEO, effective May 1.
Weir has been an integral member of the leadership team at Destination Toronto for the past 18 years, most recently as Executive Vice President.
A proven leader in Toronto’s tourism industry, Weir has served on numerous boards across the industry, including Destination International’s DMAP Board and as Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) from 2021-2023.
“Having conducted a thorough North American search, we are thrilled to announce Andrew Weir as Destination Toronto’s new President & CEO,” said Rekha Khote, Chair of the Board of Directors at Destination Toronto. “Andrew is the right leader for our organization, bringing a deep understanding of Toronto’s visitor economy, a vision for the business, and the ability to bring people together. We are confident that his established strong community connections will act as a catalyst for driving innovation and growth in critical areas of the business.”
The appointment comes at a time when Toronto is still struggling to get back to pre-pandemic tourism numbers. Boosting international visits, especially from the critical China market, will no doubt be a major part of Weir’s plan.
Weir takes over from Scott Beck, who left Destination Toronto last year to take the job as President and CEO of San Francisco Travel.
On a personal note, I’m quite happy to see this. Andrew is a talented, passionate and dedicated worker who loves his city. He’s also a great guy to ride on a tour bus with, as I discovered when I was on assignment for the Toronto Star some years ago.
 Andrew Weir, President & CEO of Destination Toronto (CNW Group/Destination Toronto) “Weir is recognized as a passionate advocate and prominent voice within the industry,” Destination Toronto said. “In his most recent role as Executive Vice President, he led strategic partnerships between the tourism industry, broader business leadership and government, laying the foundation for the continued growth of the visitor economy and its contribution to the region. Prior to that, as Chief Marketing Officer, Weir championed an organizational transformation to align sales and marketing through powerful brand storytelling.
“I’m deeply honoured and excited to lead Destination Toronto at this critical time,” said Weir. “Toronto is Canada’s most-visited destination, and for good reason. The genuine diversity and vibrancy of our arts, food, festivals and neighbourhoods, against one of the world’s truly spectacular skylines, continue to excite and attract visitors from around the world.
“The opportunity of tourism and meetings in Toronto is immense and we have seen the power of visitor spending to elevate our economy and community.”
Toronto welcomed nearly 9 million overnight visitors in 2023, generating more than $7 billion in visitor spending. As global travel has continued to recover, Toronto remains positioned as a top urban destination for major meetings, business travel and leisure travel throughout the year.
About Destination Toronto
Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating $7 billion in visitor spending in 2023. Destination Toronto’s mandate is to reflect the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s people, places and culture to inspire residents and visitors to meet, visit and explore our city. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, Destination Toronto markets and promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events and supports local businesses to maximize the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.
A SLEW OF NEW HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN TORONTO
 TOOR Hotel Toronto Good item in the Star today about new hotels in downtown Toronto. It’s great to see this happening, and maybe it’s a good sign for Destination Toronto.
I’m not sure about a hotel at Jarvis and Shuter, but perhaps the Toor Hotel will breathe new life into a slightly seedy part of the city.
I’m also intrigued by the idea of a hotel on Spadina near Queen, as well as 38 Camden St. (near the stylish Ace Hotel) and 471 Richmond St. W., which is just behind 38 Camden St.
There are several other major hotels coming soon for Toronto, including a Nobu (date unknown) on Mercer Street and a Curio by Hilton property in the popular Distillery District. There’s been talk of an Andaz brand at 1 Bloor St. West for years, but I don’t know where that stands.
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