Ontario Emerges as Top Destination for European Travellers Français
TORONTO, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - European travellers are showing strong interest in Ontario as a destination of choice.
According to a new Europe Pulse Study conducted by Context Research Group (CRG) on behalf of Destination Ontario and Destination Toronto, more than half of leisure travellers from the United Kingdom (U.K.), Germany and France are considering a trip to Ontario in the next two years, with Canada seen as culturally and experientially distinct from the United States (U.S.).
This marks Destination Ontario's first research project that examines new travel segments, including Outdoor Explorers, Refined Globetrotters, Culture Seekers and City Trippers. The research explores how global events are shaping traveller perceptions, how Canada is viewed as distinct from the United States and where Ontario can tailor its international marketing to align with shifting consumer sentiment. It complements Destination Ontario's ongoing U.S. and domestic research efforts that guide the organization's strategic marketing. Within the broader appeal of Ontario, Toronto is in the spotlight as it prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026. Half of surveyed European travellers are considering a trip to Toronto within the next two years. Among those likely to visit Toronto, Canada is overwhelmingly seen as a safe, inclusive and exciting destination with much to offer. Nearly one-third expressed specific interest in visiting Toronto for the World Cup.
Top Study Findings:
54 per cent of travellers from the U.K., Germany and France are likely to consider a leisure trip to Ontario in the next two years with 50 per cent considering Toronto.
Awareness of Ontario is solid, with 92 per cent of travellers from the U.K., Germany and France aware of the province.
Canada stands apart: 87 per cent say Canada is appealing enough to visit on its own and not just as part of a North American trip and 62 per cent agree that the current political climate in the U.S. makes them less likely to want to travel to the U.S.
Ontario and Toronto outperform leading long-haul destinations like Australia and Japan.
32 per cent express interest in visiting Toronto for the FIFA World Cup, with U.K. respondents being the most likely (41 per cent).
Read the full study here: Europe Pulse Study
Quotes:
"European travellers are telling us that Ontario is more than a destination—it reflects the shared values of safety, inclusivity and authenticity that resonate deeply with today's global travellers. This first-of-its-kind study gives us valuable insight into how Ontario is perceived internationally and strengthens our ability to connect with the people most inspired to visit."
- Vincenza Ronaldi, President & CEO, Destination Ontario
"The Europe Pulse Study confirms Toronto's appeal among European travellers as a safe, inclusive, and culturally rich destination—with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 offering added motivation for some. As part of our commitment to driving growth from diversified markets, we recently established new offices in the U.K. and Germany. The study offers valuable insight into how Toronto is perceived across the region, helping to inform and contextualize our efforts in these key markets."
- Andrew Weir, President & CEO, Destination Toronto
"With the variety and breadth of premier experiences we have on offer in Ontario, it's no surprise that more and more international tourists are looking to our province for their next vacation. Ontario provides a safe, welcoming environment where you can explore world wonders, world-class hospitality and unmatched beauty. As international travellers seek new destinations abroad, Ontario is ready to welcome the globe and showcase the people, places and experiences that make our province so special."
- Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
"Ontario is thrilled to welcome people from around the world for the FIFA World Cup. This once-in-a-lifetime event is already attracting strong interest from European fans eager to experience the matches here. As the biggest sporting event on the planet, the World Cup brings people together and shines a spotlight on Ontario as a fun, welcoming and world-class place to visit. We look forward to welcoming fans from Europe and across the globe to be part of this unforgettable moment."
- Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport
About Destination Ontario
Destination Ontario is the tourism marketing agency for the province of Ontario, dedicated to inspiring travel to and within the province through innovative marketing strategies and partnerships. Through compelling storytelling and strategic promotion, Destination Ontario showcases the best of Ontario's destinations, attractions and experiences to domestic and international travellers. For more information, please visit DestinationOntario.com.
About Destination Toronto
Toronto's visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9 billion in visitor spending in 2024. Destination Toronto's purpose is to ignite the city's visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
9 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Canadian Geographic announces the winners of its Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year competition
-based photographer Maxime Légaré-Vézina is the Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year and begins a two-year term as the Audain Emerging Photographer-in-Residence with Canadian Geographic OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian Geographic, Canada's #1 paid magazine has chosen the winners of its 2025 Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year competition, which celebrates remarkable images of Canadian wildlife captured by Canadian photographers. Out of a total of more than 10,000 entries, nine photographers were honoured for their outstanding work. "Incredible wildlife photography is a pillar of our work at the magazine, and we're always on the lookout for emerging talent," said Canadian Geographic Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Pope. "The magazine team and our judges were impressed with the amazing diversity of species and scenes entered into the competition this year — from enormous polar bears to tiny fireflies and everything in between." Photos were entered into four categories — "Terrestrial life," "Aquatic life," "Flora and fungi" and "Things with wings" — and judged by Canadian Geographic 's editorial and design staff, as well as professional wildlife photographers Ryan Tidman, Jenny Wong and John E. Marriott. "Terrestrial life" winner Jean-Simon Bégin gave us chills with his shot of a family of Canada lynx making their way through a heavy snowfall in northern Ontario. "Aquatic life" winner Alex Côté offered us a compelling glimpse at the hidden world of freshwater with his atmospheric shot of a common merganser chick diving in Quebec's Lake Memphremagog. With wildfires once again dominating headlines this summer, "Flora and fungi" winner Jillian A. Brown captured the deadly beauty of a fire near Squamish, B.C. as the flames consumed moss on a cliff face. "Things with wings" winner Leslie Poulson wowed the judges with a macro shot of a northern spreadwing dragonfly covered in droplets of morning dew. One photographer's body of work stood out among all the entries. The 2025 Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year is Maxime Légaré-Vézina of Quebec City, who now begins a two-year term as the Audain Emerging Photographer-in-Residence with Canadian Geographic. Thanks to the generous support of the Audain Foundation, whose wildlife conservation mandate is focused in British Columbia, Légaré-Vézina will have the opportunity to shoot on assignment for Canadian Geographic in B.C. and participate in events promoting visual storytelling. Three years ago, Légaré-Vézina, 36, left his steady bank job to pursue photography full-time. "So far, so good. I'm not bankrupt yet!" he jokes. Since then, he's devoted himself to observing wildlife, learning animal behaviour and honing the patience needed to capture moments of piercing eye contact with different species. Being named the inaugural Audain Emerging Photographer-in-Residence is both an honour and an opportunity to keep exploring, he says. "There are so many places in Canada I want to photograph. My passion is still there: to travel, discover new places, new species and live this life of adventure." The winning images will be published in Canadian Geographic 's November/December issue, available on newsstands starting October 15. About the Can Geo Photo Club Canadian Geographic actively seeks out and nurtures Canadian photographic talent through its Photo Club, a free-to-join, 15,000-member-strong community of amateur and professional photographers. The Club hosts two competitions per year. Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year 2025 - full winners list Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year Maxime Légaré-Vézina, Quebec City Terrestrial life Winner: Jean-Simon Bégin, Quebec City Runner-up: Reece Buruma, Petrolia, Ont. Aquatic life Winner: Alex Côté, Magog, Que. Runner-up: Maxwel Hohn, Courtenay, B.C. Flora and fungi Winner: Jillian A. Brown, Squamish, B.C. Runner-up: Haolun Tian, Kingston, Ont. Things with wings Winner: Leslie Poulson, Bralorne, B.C. Runner-up: Trevor Lowthers, Dartmouth, N.S. ABOUT CANADIAN GEOGRAPHIC — Telling Canada's Story Published by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Canadian Geographic magazine is Canada's #1 paid magazine with 4.3M readers each month. The tradition of telling Canada's story first began in 1930 with the first edition of what became Canadian Geographic. Each edition is a voyage of discovery and exploration that features the latest science, environment, travel and human and cultural stories from across the country. Reader supported, Canadian Geographic is published six times a year and is complemented by a highly engaging website and a dynamic supplement series. SOCIAL MEDIA X: @CanGeo Instagram: @cangeo
Cision Canada
10 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Winter is Coming: Vail Resorts Announces 2025/26 Winter Opening Dates and What's Ahead for Upcoming Season
• Epic Pass Holders Now Get "Epic Friend Tickets;" Lowest Price of Fall Ends Sept. 1 BROOMFIELD, Colo., Aug. 20, 2025 /CNW/ -- Vail Resorts today announced target winter opening dates for the 2025/26 ski and ride season for resorts located in the North American Rocky Mountains and West, as well as Europe—plus a sneak peek at what's in the mix for guests this season. Guests get access to all of these resorts and more with the Epic Pass, available now at the lowest price of the Fall until September 1. Now is the time to mark your calendars, get the trip out of the group chat with new " Epic Friend Tickets," and unlock your adventure with five easy steps. 1. Pick Your Resorts The season is less than 75 days away, and the resorts are gearing up. Keystone will be blazing the trail, opening as early as possible in October with the help of Mother Nature and the resort's state-of-the-art, energy-efficient snowmaking system. The rest of Vail Resorts' larger resorts in North America and Switzerland plan to open in the weeks that follow, and the season will last more than half the year, going all the way to May at Breckenridge and Whistler Blackcomb. Target Opening Dates* *All opening dates are subject to change, based on weather and conditions Vail Resorts will announce opening day targets for its resorts in the East closer to the start of the season. Those resorts expect to open consistent with target dates shared in years past. 2. Pick Your Fun There's so much fun to pick from this year across Vail Resorts' portfolio, including guest experience enhancements, headline music acts, world-class competitions, signature dining experiences and more. Starting at Whistler Blackcomb, get ready to celebrate winter in a big way with the 60 th Anniversary of Whistler Mountain and the new Wonder Routes. Alpine Sampler? Going for Gold? Glade Stashes? Or, here for the Après? No matter your ski and ride style, Wonder Routes offers a network of trails, waypoints, and stops to help you discover all of the wonders and jaw-dropping experiences that make Whistler Blackcomb one of the best resorts in the world. When you're ready to call it a day on the mountain, the fun continues with a vibrant village and legendary après scene to carry the celebrations well into the evening. Park City Mountain is set to debut the new Sunrise Gondola for winter 2025/26, replacing the Sunrise limited-access lift with a high-speed 10-person gondola for faster, more reliable access out of Canyons Village all the way to the Red Pine Lodge area. Paired with upgrades to beginner terrain and the kids' Ski and Ride School area at Red Pine Lodge, these enhancements beckon guests to ignite their passion in a setting where they truly belong. Also returning this season, the new signature Orange Bubble Bite, a complimentary daily sweet treat made with orange, rosemary and honey, welcomes guests back to Canyons Village after a day on the mountain. Starting this December in Colorado, Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Resort, Keystone Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort will be launching a new technology in the My Epic app that takes Ski and Ride School to the next level. With innovative new features, parents and students can easily check in for lessons, receive real-time updates and photos, track progress, and celebrate milestones and skills with digital badges, all from the convenience of their phone. Keystone's River Run Village is set to debut the highly anticipated Kindred Resort at the base of River Run Gondola. Kindred Resort will open as Colorado's newest premier luxury development, featuring ski-in, ski-out residences along with a RockResorts-branded hotel. This new development will also be the new home of Keystone Ski and Ride School, and slopeside retail and rental. At Breckenridge, guests can expect the high-energy vibe and unique town-to-mountain connection to continue this season, with weekend concert series and high-level competitions to be announced closer to the season. Special celebrations for milestone anniversary years are coming together across a number of Vail Resorts' North American resorts. In addition to Whistler's 60th anniversary, Heavenly is celebrating 70 years of fun and iconic Lake Tahoe views. On the East coast, Okemo celebrates 70 years of Vermont adventure, while Liberty hits 60 years of carving memories in the snow. In Switzerland, Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis is adding two new six-seater chairlifts for the upcoming 2025/26 winter season. These new lifts will better connect Val Val to Cuolm Val and Val Val to Calmut, significantly increasing uphill capacity and reducing lift wait times. Additionally, Crans-Montana Mountain Resort has invested in upgraded snowmaking throughout the Verdets area with new energy-efficient snow guns, elevating the slope and snow quality. Resorts across the portfolio will be celebrating this Olympic year with world-class competitions, including Birds of Prey at Beaver Creek, which will welcome back the U.S. Men's Ski Team and racers from around the world and act as an Olympic qualifier from December 4-7. Whistler Blackcomb will host the World Ski and Snowboard Fest in April once again, and more events will be announced closer to the start of the season. 3. Pick Your Epic Friends Last week, Vail Resorts announced it is cutting lift ticket prices in half for friends of Epic Pass Holders with new Epic Friend Tickets, making it easier for our most loyal guests to bring their friends to the slopes. Season-long Pass Holders will receive 6-10 Epic Friend Tickets, depending on when they purchase their Pass. Epic Friend Tickets provide 50% off lift tickets at the company's 37 North American resorts for the 2025/26 winter season. In addition, friends can apply 100% of the cost of one redeemed Epic Friend Ticket toward an eligible 2026/27 Epic Pass.** Just like the Epic Pass, Epic Friend Tickets can be purchased through and then activated in the My Epic app for direct-to-lift access, cutting out the need to stand in line at the ticket window. 4. Pick Your Pass Epic Passes give guests the opportunity to choose their Pass based on where they want to ski and ride. Passes are on sale now for the lowest price of the Fall before prices increase after September 1, 2025. Whether hitting the mountain for one day or all season, there's an option for every skier and rider, from first timers to powder pros. The 2025/26 Epic Pass ($1075 adults; $548 children) offers access to more than 90 resorts across the world, plus unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts' 42 owned and operated mountain resorts. Iconic partner resorts and ski areas include Telluride, Colorado; Rusutsu and Hakuba Valley, Japan; Verbier 4 Vallées, Switzerland; Sölden, Austria; Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria; and more across Europe. In addition, Telluride Resort will not require reservations for Epic Pass Holders this year. This means that for the 2025/26 season, no Epic Pass resorts will require advance reservations. The Epic Local Pass ($799 adults; $416 children) provides season-long access at an incredible value to 29 resorts, plus access to more destination resorts with some restrictions. Epic 1-7 Day Passes provide up to 65% savings compared to lift ticket prices by purchasing ahead of the season. More details on Pass options for the 2025/26 season are linked here. 5. Pick Your Perks All Epic Passes come with Epic Mountain Rewards, which offer exclusive discounts including 20% off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride lessons, equipment rentals, and more – all winter long. All skiers and riders get access to the My Epic app, which includes Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets with hands-free access – scannable straight from your pocket. It features interactive trail maps, tracks your stats, Finds Your Friends on the mountain, shares lift line status times, provides real-time mountain alerts, and more. Now in its second year, My Epic Gear is better than renting and easier than owning. Guests can join for a seasonal membership fee, which then unlocks access to the latest gear from the top brands, including more than 60 of the latest ski and snowboard models. You can reserve in advance in the My Epic app for a low daily use fee that includes slopeside pick-up and drop-off at one of 12 participating resorts. **Friends who do not hold a 2025/26 Pass can apply the full cost of a single redeemed Epic Friend Ticket towards eligible 2026/27 Passes, including Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, and other regional passes for a limited time. The full list of eligible Passes will be available once 2026/27 Passes are on sale. 2025/26 Pass Holders are not eligible for this promotion. About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at or discover our resorts and pass options at
Cision Canada
11 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Cunard Sets Sail for Labor Day with Fares from $999 Plus, Onboard Credit on Over 145 Voyages
VALENCIA, Calif., Aug. 20, 2025 /CNW/ -- Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced its Labor Day Sale starting tomorrow, offering fares from $999 plus up to $200 onboard credit on more than 145 voyages sailing between 2025 and 2027. From August 21 through September 3, 2025, travelers have the perfect opportunity to plan their next journey aboard Cunard's iconic fleet, all at an excellent value. The Labor Day Sale features a diverse collection of itineraries, including: 2025 Caribbean, Northern Europe and Transatlantic Crossing voyages 2026 Alaska, Canada New England, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Transatlantic Crossing and World Voyage Segments 2027 Caribbean, Transatlantic Crossing, and World Voyage Segments. Iconic Ships & Voyages Sailings are available on all four of Cunard's Queens — the world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, the newly refreshed Queen Elizabeth, the iconic Queen Victoria, and the line's newest ship, Queen Anne. Whether embarking on an unforgettable World Voyage, witnessing Queen Mary 2's historic maiden Panama Canal transit, or enjoying a sun-filled Caribbean escape aboard Queen Elizabeth, guests will experience the ultimate vacation at sea – with Cunard's signature White Star Service, world-class dining, enriching onboard programs and idyllic destinations. Highlight voyages include: World Voyages: A once-in-a-lifetime journey visiting some of the globe's most iconic ports. In 2026 and 2027, guests can embark on the full World Voyage or choose from a selection of shorter World Voyage segments, with itineraries spanning multiple continents. Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria will each sail world cruises during this period, with voyages ranging from 108 to 117 nights – all with Cunard's signature elegance and White Star Service. Queen Mary 2: Maiden Panama Canal Transit: Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 will set sail from New York to Los Angeles on a 15-night voyage, from January 19 to February 3, 2025, marking her first-ever transit through the Panama Canal. This historic journey allows guests to blend transcontinental travel with the iconic elegance of the world's only ocean liner. Winter in the Caribbean on Queen Elizabeth: The newly transformed Queen Elizabeth will sail from Miami to the Caribbean for the first time starting this October. Guests will explore the region's acclaimed crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, with nine to 28-night voyages stopping at unique destinations including St. Thomas, Bridgetown, Bonaire, Aruba, Tortola and Barbados. For more information about Cunard, the Summer Savings Event or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273. About Cunard Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, and this year celebrates an incredible 185 years of operation. 2025 is a momentous year in Cunard's history, which will be marked with several iconic land-based events and special Event Voyages. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia. There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally, with the brand now boasting four ships in simultaneous service for the first time since 1999. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK). Please note, once directed to the page you will need to "Register for an account." Your request may take up to 24 hours for approval to access the library of assets. You will be notified via email to complete your registration.
