Toronto tourism officials announced that 2017 was a record year for the city, welcoming 43,7 million visitors. Travelers visiting Ontario's capital also spent $8,8 billion in 2017, setting a new high for the region's tourism industry. Visitor spending increased by $700 million across hotel rooms, attractions and restaurants.
"More and more international travelers are seeing Toronto as an exciting destination for sightseeing and vacations, resulting in record visitor numbers," Tourism Toronto President and CEO Johann Belanger said in a statement.
In addition, 2,1 million tourists arrived in overseas markets. China received 319 tourists, and the United Kingdom came in second with 000 arrivals. Overseas traveler spending was more than $263 billion for the first time.
After a law change allowing Mexican tourists to visit Canada without a visa, the number of arrivals from Mexico has increased by 72% in recent years. Toronto is a popular destination for Canadians. The city welcomed 10,4 million overnight visitors who spent $2,6 billion in 2017.
