Millions of tourists spend billions of dollars each year in Ontario. With the largest, most accessible market in North America, a skilled, multicultural workforce and an established domestic market, the tourism industry has discovered that Ontario is a premier four-season travel destination.
The largest and most accessible market in North America
With a population of 14 million and a border that stretches nearly halfway across the U.S. , Ontario offers you unparalleled access to a large domestic market, along with an additional 142 million people living within a day’s drive.
An established industry with more opportunities to come
Four distinct seasons offer year-round tourism opportunities and an impressive array of possibilities for investors in Ontario.
Canada is consistently ranked as one of the top country brands in the world and at its heart you’ll find the picturesque province of Ontario. Internationally recognized tourist attractions such as Niagara Falls, Algonquin Provincial Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Blue Mountains, Manitoulin Island and the Rideau Canal bring people here in vast numbers. And for an investor , there are many diverse business opportunities with plenty of room to grow. Home to more than 250,000 lakes, including the Great Lakes which hold one-fifth of the world’s fresh water , Ontario has 100,000 kilometres of canals, rivers and streams. Development opportunities abound for cruise operators, recreational outfitters and accommodation providers.
Four distinct seasons offer year-round tourism opportunities and an impressive array of possibilities for investors in Ontario.
Proven domestic market that continues to grow
A strong in-country market accounts for 86% of overnight stays across Canada, and 74% of overnight stays are Ontario residents traveling within their home province. Canadian residents love to “staycation”, taking overnight trips to explore their country . This strong in-country market accounts for 86% of overnight stays across Canada and 74% of overnight stays are Ontario residents traveling within their home province. In fact, 35% of all Canadian tourism spending happens here, in Ontario, where tourism receipts top $34 billion.
Ontario’s 190,000 tourism businesses are capitalizing on a strong, stable domestic market. As such, domestic tourists travelling throughout Ontario outnumber their U.S. counterparts by 980% and outspend the U.S. market by 320%. In Ontario, your market is already here.
Highly skilled, multicultural workforce
Ontario is naturally diverse and multicultural, home to residents from over 200 ethnic backgrounds who speak more than 200 different languages.
Ontario is naturally diverse and multicultural, home to residents from over 200 ethnic backgrounds who speak more than 200 different languages. Strict enforcement of equal opportunity laws, government mandated health and retirement benefits, and industry regulations have helped make Ontario a destination of choice for tourism professionals. As Ontario’s 12th largest employer , the tourism industry employed over 390,000 in 2016. Tourism here is a year round industry , with more than 60% of tourism workers in full-time positions.
Tourism businesses in Ontario enjoy access to a highly skilled and educated population. With more than 20 postsecondary hospitality programs, Ontario’s tourism workers have the specialized knowledge you need. You’ll have access to an available supply of highly skilled, industry-ready graduates eager to deliver a great brand experience in a variety of languages.
You’ll also find it easier to retain talent here. Our friendly cities, stable economy , robust public services – including comprehensive healthcare – and affordable cost of living make Ontario the ideal place to live and work.
By flight, rail, road or vessel, Ontario has it all
Ontario offers a modern and efficient transportation infrastructure that includes five international airports, 14 land border crossings and 16,500 km of highways.
Ontario offers a modern and efficient transportation infrastructure that includes five international airports, 14 land border crossings and 16,500 km of highways, making getting in and around Ontario convenient for domestic and international tourists. Pearson International Airport in Toronto is the 2nd busiest international airport in North America for international traffic, with direct flights to 54 U.S. and 99 other international cities. It serves 47 million passengers with over 500,000 flights annually . Toronto’s Union Station is Canada’s busiest multi-modal passenger transportation hub, a designated National Historic Site, and a significant part of Toronto’s identity . Each day , more than a quarter-million people travel through Union Station.
This means visitors to our province can arrive at your site smoothly and quickly from multiple destinations. Airports
Business-friendly government that values the tourism industry
Thirteen regional tourism organizations work alongside tourism businesses to maximize and market Ontario investments.
Promoting Ontario as a premier tourism destination and an unparalleled investment opportunity is a top priority for the provincial government. You can expect personalized service and access to an array of incentive programs -Ontario is an enthusiastic partner in your business success.
Ontario supports the sector through a number of initiatives offered by the provincial government and public agencies. Thirteen regional tourism organizations work alongside tourism businesses to maximize and market Ontario investments.
The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) Destination Ontario (DO) acts as the province’s central marketer and is mandated to help grow the province’s tourism industry . OTMPC DO collaborates with tourism partners to develop and deliver integrated, research-driven marketing programs that reinforce Ontario as a strong economy and a premier , four-season travel destination.
