Ontario is your tourism investment destination

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 world-class four-season travel destination.

When I first saw the site—nine acres on the waterfront in downtown Toronto waiting to be developed—I was blown away. It was so special. I couldn’t resist it. I don’t think there is anything like it in the world. Within the next three years I’m hoping to build another hotel on the site, similar in size to Hotel X Toronto.

Henry Kallan
President and Founder of Hotel X and
Library Hotel Collection

Ontario’s Tourism Industry by the Numbers*

42.7%
of all visits to Canada
51.1%
of all international visits to Canada
$38B
in tourism receipts
$36.7B
in annual economic activity
$35.5B
of total GDP
88K
tourism-related businesses
395K
jobs generated

*All figures have been provided by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport

Ontario is your tourism investment destination

Video: Ontario is your tourism investment destination

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, the Rideau Canal and Ontario’s vibrant cities 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.

Who's here

Calypso
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
Cirque Du Solei
Eataly
Hornblower Cruises and Events
iFly Indoor Skydiving
JW Marriott
Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants
Le Boat
Library Hotel Collection
Little Canada
Merlin Entertainments
Muji
Museum of Illusions
Premier Parks LLC
Ripley’s Entertainment
The Ritz-Carlton

Business-friendly government that values the tourism industry

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. In addition, regional tourism organizations work alongside tourism businesses in destination development to maximize and market Ontario investments in tourism.

Ontario has committed funding to the tourism sector through various programs, including:

  • Experience Ontario 2023
  • Marquee Event Fund
My dream was to bring a world class attraction to a world class city— an accessible 60-minute drive for 10 million residents, with millions more visitors a year. After a rigorous search, we found the perfect home to invest in, right in the heart of downtown Toronto at Yonge and Dundas. [This is] the multi-cultural intersection of Canada and steps from the biggest resident and tourist markets in the country. The perfect place to evoke a sense of wonder, curiosity and connection to Canada.

Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer
Founder and President of Little Canada

Proven domestic market that continues to grow

Canadian residents love to “staycation,” taking overnight trips to explore their country. This strong in-country market is also supported by the new Staycation Tax Credit where Ontario residents are encouraged to continue traveling within their home province.

By flight, rail, road or vessel, Ontario has it all:

  • We invest billions of dollars every year to expand and improve the provincial highway network, creating jobs and connecting people and places across Ontario. Ontario offers a modern and efficient transportation infrastructure system that includes five international airports with worldwide connections, an expanding regional rail system, 14 land border crossings and 16,900 km of provincial highways, making getting in and around Ontario convenient for domestic and international tourists.
  • This will allow visitors to arrive at your site easily and quickly from multiple destinations.

Ontario's tourism regions

Ontario’s fifteen regional tourism organizations are a great source for investment opportunity information.

The world in one province

As Ontario is one of the most multicultural jurisdictions in the world, you will be located in a highly diverse consumer market. Consumer interest in international products and culture offers a promising opportunity for investors.

In the 12 months to March 31, 2023, Ontario’s population grew by 211,933 or 1.4%, much faster than in the previous year (0.5%).

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. 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.

Number of Education Programs
Tourism Industry Group Number of Education Programs
Accommodation 42
Food & Beverage 108
Recreation and Entertainment 70
Travel Services 21
Transportation 10

*All figures provided by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport