Kelly Jackson on Toronto’s Visitor Boom, FIFA World Cup 2026™, and the Next Decade of Growth

Toronto’s visitor economy is the focus of this week's guest, Kelly Jackson, Vice President of Destination Development at Destination Toronto. Listen in, while they unpack Toronto’s record-breaking 2025: 28.2 million visitors, $9.1 billion in visitor spending, and nearly $13.5 billion in total economic impact. Kelly explains how Toronto’s inclusive, globally connected yet distinctly Canadian identity, strong business events sector, and investment in experiences—from concerts and sports to culinary and culture—have driven growth, especially from international markets like the UK and Germany.

They explore market diversification, air access challenges (including Asia and US routes), and the softening US market, along with a strategic shift toward targeting travelers by passion points rather than geography. Kelly highlights Toronto’s knowledge economy as a competitive advantage for attracting major conventions, the broader benefits that spill into regions across Ontario, and the city’s preparations for hosting FIFA World Cup 2026™ and a new 10‑year visitor economy master plan.

Forward Motion thanks its partners for their support of this show:

Ontario Travel & Tourism Monthly

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