Toronto’s tourism industry experienced a record-breaking year in 2025, welcoming 28.2 million visitors and generating $9.1 billion in direct spending, a 4% increase from the previous year. The growth was driven by a significant surge in international arrivals, particularly from the UK and Germany, while domestic travel within Canada also increased. Meetings and conventions saw a substantial rebound, with a 51% increase in events, leading to a substantial economic impact. Looking ahead, Toronto is poised for continued growth in 2026 as it prepares to host the FIFA World Cup matches and several major conferences.
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Flight data indicates that all scheduled flights on 49 air routes between China and Japan have been canceled for February, building upon existing cancellations in January. This increase follows the extension of special ticket change and refund policies by major Chinese airlines for Japan-related travel. These policies allow free changes or refunds for tickets purchased or reissued before January 26th for flights between March 29th and October 24th, including flights to major Japanese cities. These adjustments are in response to earlier travel advisories issued by China, discouraging trips to Japan.
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In a surprising move, three Las Vegas hotels have begun accepting the Canadian dollar at par, offering a significant advantage to Canadian travelers. This initiative allows guests to avoid currency exchange fees, essentially receiving a 1:1 conversion rate for their Canadian dollars. The hotels believe this policy will attract more Canadian tourists and boost their overall revenue. This decision reflects a growing trend of businesses adapting to attract international visitors and cater to their financial preferences.
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Despite a long-standing waste deposit program, the issue of garbage on Mount Everest has persisted. Since 2014, climbers were required to carry a minimum amount of trash down the mountain or forfeit a deposit, but this initiative has been deemed ineffective and administratively burdensome. Officials found that the program did not adequately address waste at higher altitudes, leading to the contamination of water sources and the introduction of biohazards. Moving forward, a non-refundable cleanup fee will be implemented to fund a permanent conservation and waste management fund, including enhanced monitoring and trash collection facilities.
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Hamilton Island, a major Great Barrier Reef holiday destination, has been acquired by US private equity firm Blackstone for an estimated $1.2 billion. The island resort was purchased from the Oatley family, who transformed it into a renowned Australian tropical destination. The resort, spanning over 1,130 hectares, features various hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, a golf course, marina, and airport, supporting a significant on-island community. Blackstone aims to invest in the long-term success of Hamilton Island and build upon the Oatley family’s vision.
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The article discusses the author’s recent visit to the US, highlighting both the joys of family and travel and the author’s growing reservations about the current political climate. Proposed new regulations by the Trump administration, including invasive social media and family history inquiries for visa applicants from countries like Australia, are a major concern. The author observed the stark changes in the US, including reduced tourism and increased political division, spurred by actions such as the revocation of visas for protestors and the expansion of travel bans. While the author cherishes their connections within the US, they express that, as a tourist, they would opt for a more welcoming and less restrictive destination.
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Under a new proposal, the United States may soon require tourists from dozens of countries, including the UK, to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry. This policy, proposed by the Department of Homeland Security, would affect those eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. The proposal also includes gathering phone numbers, email addresses, and more family information. Critics are concerned about potential harm to digital rights and longer wait times for ESTA approvals.
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The Trump administration has implemented stricter screening measures for visa applicants, including requiring public social media accounts and potentially expanding the existing travel ban to new countries. This move follows an incident in Washington D.C., and aligns with broader efforts to fortify U.S. borders. Simultaneously, the administration is considering collecting more data from tourists through the ESTA program, which has drawn criticism from digital rights organizations due to potential civil liberties concerns. These policy changes, along with other measures, have already shown impacts on tourism, including a decline in Canadian visitors and projections of reduced international visitor spending for the U.S. in the coming years.
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Under consideration by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are new plans that would require all tourists, including those from Britain, to undergo social media screening before entering the United States. This proposed mandate would apply to both visa and non-visa travelers and would necessitate providing social media information from the past five years, along with other personal details such as email addresses, phone numbers, and family information. Currently, the ESTA application requires only an email address, home address, and emergency contact details. These proposed changes are open for public consultation for 60 days, while there have been reports of travelers being denied entry over social media posts and messages.
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Ski resorts across the West faced delayed openings due to low snowfall, leading to anxiety within the tourism industry. Beyond weather concerns, resorts are also bracing for a decline in international guests, particularly from Canada, due to tariffs and political rhetoric. Local businesses are launching campaigns to welcome back Canadian visitors, who have historically been a significant source of revenue, as spending from Canada has decreased. Despite this, resorts remain uncertain about the upcoming season due to unpredictable booking patterns and fluctuating political dynamics.
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John Q. Hosedrinker