A record 28.2 million visitors came to Toronto in 2025, generating a record $9.1 billion in spending.
Destination Toronto figures released today (Jan. 28) show overnight visits rose two per cent over last year despite a softening U.S. market. Large entertainment events such as concerts and sporting events like the Toronto Blue Jays helped the city set its new record, officials said.
The $9.1 billion in direct spending exceeded the previous year’s record by four per cent, reinforcing tourism’s role as one of the city’s most important export sectors.
Toronto is the most visited city in Canada.
Toronto sign at City Hall. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Domestic visitation remained the largest segment at 25 million visitors, increasing three per cent as Canadian travel to the U.S. declined sharply and more Canadians traveled within their own country. The U.S. market was the second largest segment with 1.9 million visitors. That’s down six per cent from the previous year, but international arrivals jumped eight per cent to 1.4 million.
International spending grew 11%, with spending by U.K. and German travellers exceeding 2019 levels for the first time.
To spur the growth of international visitation, Destination Toronto increased Toronto’s visibility in the U.K., Germany and Mexico in 2025 along with the vital U.S. market, advancing the city’s global tourism strategy and positioning the city for further growth in 2026,” officials said.
“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. “Our visitor economy showed strong resilience, as Toronto has what travellers and meeting planners are seeking — compelling experiences paired with a warm welcome.”
Solid numbers, for sure. If the political situation between Canada and the U.S. improves, and if Asian markets recover further this year, Toronto could see a sizable tourism increase for 2026. Another Blue Jays run would also be nice!
Born in Toronto: Happy 65th Birthday to Four Seasons Hotels/Resorts
It’s pretty amazing to think that such a dominant hotel/resort company as Four Seasons began as a motor lodge on Jarvis Street in Toronto in 1961. From that very modest presence in downtown T.O. Four Seasons has grown to a company that now operates 135 hotels and resorts and 61 residences in 47 countries around the globe.
The Four Seasons Downtown New York. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Building on the success of 2025 openings– including Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort in Florida and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico – Four Seasons will continue to expand in the Americas in 2026 with Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena. The project will transform colonial and Beaux-Arts landmarks into a vibrant luxury experience, right on the doorstep of the historic walled city. 2026 will also mark the highly anticipated reopening of Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, bringing back the beloved coastal landmark with refreshed design and elevated guest experiences.
They’ll also add properties in Venice, Mykonos, Gstaad (Switzerland), Hanoi and Shura Island in Saudi Arabia.
Four Seasons has roughly 60 additional projects at various stages of development, including properties in Berlin, Rio de Janeiro and Charleston, South Carolina.
Four Seasons also has its own cruise offering, with Four Seasons Yachts setting sail this year to ports in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. If you’ve got a little extra cash in your jeans, you also can check out The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience.
Four Seasons Bora Bora lagoon. JIM BYERS PHOTO
I’ve been lucky enough to stay the night in at maybe a dozen Four Seasons properties over the years. Here are a few faves:
Four Seasons Lana’i, Hawaii: The owners transformed this resort into a South Seas paradise a few years ago, with quiet pools and waterfalls and other features. It’s just steps from Hulopo’e Bay, home to one of Hawaii’s best beaches.
Four Seasons New York City Downtown: An elegant building in a booming part of New York City. The suites are to die for and the food is exceptional.
Four Seasons Bora Bora, Tahiti: Magical overwater bungalows, excellent cuisine and a tranquil setting in one of the world’s most desirable destinations.
Four Seasons Singapore: A quiet oasis in a bustling city state, with lovely rooms and a terrific club lounge.
Four Seasons Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii: A wonderful family offering just outside Honolulu, with a peaceful lagoon that’s great for kids.
Four Seasons Chicago: Fabulous rooms and excellent food offerings in a perfect Windy City location.
Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle, Thailand: An exquisite, jungle setting, amazing food and elephants in northern Thailand.
Four Seasons Hualalai, Hawaii: Another super peaceful spot, this one on the dry, Kona side of what some call Hawaii Big Island. The lagoon is stocked with amazing, colourful fish and the food is exceptional. There’s also a terrific golf course.
Four Seasons Nevis: Okay, I didn’t spend the night. But I’ve visited and had a drink by the pool a couple of times. It’s a gorgeous, beachfront resort with a wonderful golf course on quiet Nevis; an idyllic Caribbean island that’s a short (and enjoyable) ferry ride south of St. Kitts.
Four Seasons at Wailea, Maui, Hawaii: This resort was featured in the first season of White Lotus, and has been pretty busy ever since. The cuisine is top notch, the setting superb, and the beach excellent.
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