Toronto’s iconic Flatiron Building is in the tourist-friendly downtown area near the St. Lawrence Market. (Pixabay photo)
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) recently reaffirmed its commitment to boosting tourism in the province and stimulating economic and employment growth by bringing key recommendations to leaders during Tourism Day at Queen’s Park.
TIAO is a leading series of advocacy meetings that bring together department officials from each of the parties and Members of the Provincial Parliament.
Key speakers pointed out the current state of the tourism industry. They also highlighted potential opportunities to collaborate with the government to harness the power of tourism and adapt to the latest trends.
In early 2025, the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, known as Canada 365: Welcoming the World initiative, was also announced, which will help take this sector to new heights.
With that said, let’s dive straight in and take a closer look at how the Canadian province of Ontario is responding and adapting to meet the newest tourism trends.
What’s the aim of Tourism Day at Queen’s Park?
Tourism Day in Canada is a term used to describe the events that take place annually on September 27, which also aligns with the global observance by the United Nations of World Tourism Day.
The purpose of this annual event in Canada is to recognize the importance of tourism and the impact it has on local cultures and economies.
One of the main focus points is to promote more sustainable tourism practices and highlight the benefits of connecting different cultures and people across Canada.
It also encourages responsible travel and is seen as a celebration highlighting Canada’s many unique and diverse tourism offerings and how they can benefit local communities nationwide.
Why is Ontario a popular tourist destination?
Ontario has something to suit all types of tourists, from outdoor attractions to historical places and beaches. It also has wineries spread across the province, the CN Tower in Toronto, and so much more, catering to everyone from the thrill-seeking adventurer to the more laid-back tourist.
The province also has land-based casinos, such as Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort, and legally permitted iGaming sites. To play at an online casino in Ontario or one of Canada’s most iconic land-based casinos, you must be at least 19 years old.
Ontario launched its iGaming industry in April 2022, and according to recent reports from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), there are now more than 70 fully licensed and regulated iGaming sites to choose from. Additionally, 86% of bettors in Ontario now play on legally permitted sites rather than playing on offshore sites that cannot be trusted.
How is Ontario adapting to meet the newest tourism trends?
Ontario will continue to adapt in several ways to meet new tourism trends. The overall goal is to help boost the tourism economy in Ontario. The five key priorities laid out in the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy include the following (in no particular order of importance):
- Collaboration with necessary parties to foster Indigenous tourism growth
- Fully embrace the great outdoors and recreation in Canada
- Bridge gaps, build relationships, and improve coordination via a Federal Ministerial Council
- Focus on investing in key tourism assets
- Attract additional international events
Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) also recently hosted a webinar discussing key tourism trends in 2025. It highlighted shifting behaviours among travellers who visit Canada and raised the issue of the rising demand for better sustainability.
The webinar also discussed some of the best ways that tourism companies can adapt to stay one step ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving sector, which is frequently being shaped by the latest emerging trends as travellers seek more meaningful experiences.
Which major events are being held in Canada over the coming years?
There’s a lot happening in Canada over the coming years, so if you plan on visiting, you might want to try and experience one of these major upcoming international events, all of which will help fuel the local economies.
For example, one of the most talked about upcoming sporting events in Canada is the 2026 FIFA World Cup (which is also being jointly hosted by the United States and Mexico). The two host venues in Canada where you will be able to watch the games live in person are BC Place in Vancouver and BMO Field (Toronto Stadium) in Toronto.
Some of the other key upcoming events in Canada that will attract both local and international tourists are the Quebec Winter Carnival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Winterlude, the Celebration of Light, and the Toronto International Film Festival.
That’s not forgetting the Barbie Expo, the Canadian Tulip Festival, the Canadian National Exhibition, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, the Calgary Stampede, and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, to name just a few key events.
Significant Changes to Canada’s Tourism
Over the coming months, we can expect huge changes in Canada’s tourism sector, with key improvements in infrastructure and funding, as well as workforce development, training, and support. The aim is to stimulate both economic and employment growth and sustainability.
Industry leaders will implement positive change through innovation, collaboration, and market development strategies with the goal of attracting more international visitors.
Their collaborative efforts also aim to leave tourists with a lasting impression that will keep them wanting to come back to Canada to explore more of what the diverse and stunning nation has to offer.
Technology is expected to play a significant role in transforming the face of Canada’s tourism industry. However, industry leaders must be willing to adapt to the latest tourism trends and embrace the latest changes by constantly innovating and being open and receptive to change.
