Government of Canada celebrates Toronto tourism experiences on World Tourism Day

Press Release

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

September 27, 2024

September 27th marks World Tourism Day, recognized by the United Nations to highlight the important role the tourism sector plays in economic development. Attracting millions of visitors each year, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area boasts unique sights, sounds and tastes of diverse multiculturalism, artistic contributions, and unique natural and architectural landscapes. The economic impact of tourism in Toronto is valued at over $10 billion, making tourism a vital sector for the city’s economy and cultural identity.

Today, Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, visited The Theatre Centre and announced an investment of over $3.1 million for 22 organizations across Toronto that are offering new tourism attractions for visitors. This includes four projects that support Indigenous tourism across the city. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

The Theatre Centre is receiving a $150,000 investment for cultural tourism events in the West Queen West area of Toronto. This includes the upcoming Comedy is Art Festival in October 2024, a Toronto premiere presentation in 2025, as well as smaller community events. The new engagements provided will bring more visitors to the area and support artists from across the region.

The Toronto Biennial of Art (TBA) is receiving $200,000 to deliver its third edition, which is currently running until December 1, 2024. With Government of Canada support, they are offering free exhibitions, public programs, and opportunities for cultural exchange across the city. The event is expected to draw more than 300,000 visitors over the 10-week period, resulting in spillover benefits for the local economy.

Information on the 22 projects receiving support through the Tourism Growth Program is included in the backgrounder.

The Government of Canada is investing in tourism projects in the region to support new experiences that will support southern Ontario’s tourism economy for generations to come.

Quotes

“Each year, millions of tourists visit Toronto to experience vibrant community and cultural events,  beautiful natural landscapes and artistic destinations. As we celebrate World Tourism Day, the Government of Canada is pleased to support tourism projects in Toronto so it will continue welcoming new visitors.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Tourism helps Canada showcase its beauty and diverse cultural heritage on the world stage. By supporting organizations like The Theatre Centre and the Toronto Biennial of Art, we fuel local economies, help create jobs and empower communities. I’m proud to champion local tourism, as it also fosters a sense of belonging in communities all across our nation.”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism
“The tourism sector is an essential contributor to the Toronto economy with its waterfront, unique cultural and culinary experiences, green spaces and artistic hubs like The Theatre Centre and the Toronto Biennial of Art. The investments made here today are going a long way in ensuring our region remains a destination of choice and ensures a culturally vibrant, healthy, and prosperous city.”
– Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport
“We are thrilled to be celebrating 10 years in our permanent home with bigger-than-ever programming and events. Supporting our community in West Queen West was vital to this milestone celebration and, thanks to FedDev Ontario, we’re strengthening our local relationships while attracting tourists to explore the vibrancy this neighbourhood offers.”
– Aislinn Rose, General & Artistic Director, The Theatre Centre
“Every two years, the Toronto Biennial of Art (TBA) animates the city with its free curated exhibitions and its intergenerational public and learning programs. Working with over 55 artists and over 20 new artwork commissions, TBA reflects the city’s diversity and offers new ways of seeing and listening. Engaging visitors, school groups, partners, and artists, each Biennial connects people to spark meaningful dialogues and imagine new futures.”
– Patrizia Libralato, Executive Director, Toronto Biennial of Art

Quick facts

• Incorporated in 1981, The Theatre Centre is a not-for-profit, live-arts incubator that serves as a research and development hub for the cultural sector with a mission to offer a home for creative, cultural and social interactions to invent the future. The Theatre Centre incubates, produces and presents the works of multidisciplinary artists based in Toronto, across Canada and internationally.
• Incorporated in 2014, the Toronto Biennial of Art is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to make contemporary art accessible to everyone. During a 10-week free event every two years, the Biennial commissions artists to create new works for a city-wide exhibition in dialogue with Toronto’s diverse local contexts.
• Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering the $108-million Tourism Growth Program, over three years, to support businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.
• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in nearly 1,450 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to have supported over 24,500 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
• The Theatre Centre
• Toronto Biennial of Art

Contacts
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

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