This amount that was spent is up 47 per cent in the past 5 years, while the number of visitors rose 17 per cent in the same period. Toronto saw the highest number of overnight visitors coming from the United States with 2,973,000 visitors and China with 319,000 visitors.

More than 70 per cent of American visitors arrived by plane, which is a dramatic shift from 50/50 back before the year 2000. This increase is important to Toronto’s economy as the visitors who fly here are staying longer, doing more and are spending more money.

Toronto’s biggest increase in regards to overnight visitors came from Mexico, as we saw a 72-per cent jump from 44,000 to 75,000 visitors. This is due to the fact that back in December 2016, Canada removed a 7-year-old requirement for Mexican travellers to obtain a visitor visa.

Domestic travellers continue to visit Toronto more than any other Canadian city. Toronto welcomed 10.4 million overnight domestic visitors, spending $2.6 billion dollars in 2017.

Clearly there is something special about Toronto that continues to draw in tourists from around the world and within Canada. Toronto is known for its tall skyscrapers, famous sport teams, music/film festivals, multicultural and delicious foods and is viewed as an ideal candidate for what a city can and should be.

Want to read more? Click here.

The post Toronto broke a new tourism record with 43.7 million visitors in 2017! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Although Toronto did not make the top 10 list (ranked in 11^th place), it did have the highest score of any city in its Desirability category index. Toronto has been rated the most appealing city not only for its universities, but for its nightlife, cultural amenities, and its diversity. Unfortunately, Toronto lost out on metrics, such as affordability.

Here is the top 10 QS Best Student Cities in 2017:

• Montreal
• Paris
• London
• Seoul
• Melbourne
• Berlin
• Tokyo
• Boston
• Munich
• Vancouver

For more on QS Best Student Cities, please click here.

The post Montreal Ranked #1 City in the World for Students in 2017! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The North American tradition of Groundhog Day has been taking place for over a century. As the Folklore has it, if the groundhog sees its shadow when it emerges from its burrow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, then tradition says spring is on the way.

Let all us Canadians welcome Spring with open arms and hope that the groundhogs’ predictions are correct!

The post Groundhog Day Predicts Early Spring in Canada! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Whatever your interests are, there is a party for you!

Majestic NYE at Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St. W) – Known as one of Toronto’s most elegant annual NYE parties. This venue accommodates over 3,000 people!

NYE at Nathan Philips Square – There will be live music along with performances and fireworks! Bring your friends and family and enjoy the ice skating battles and live DJ’s! This is quite a popular event in the city and it is also FREE!

NYE Masquerade at the Addison’s Residence (456 Wellington St. W) – Looking for a NYE house party? The Addison’s is known for throwing great parties! Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers all night long!

For more New Year’s Eve events around Toronto, please click here.

Bundle up and enjoy what the city has to offer!  Happy New Year’s to all!

The post New Year’s Eve in the City! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Lonely Planet is considered the largest travel guide book publisher in the world. Each year, Lonely Planet releases a new ranking of countries in which they consider the best travel destinations for that following year.

The best travel destinations for 2017 by country are as follows:

1. Canada
2. Colombia
3. Finland
4. Dominica
5. Nepal
6. Bermuda
7. Mongolia
8. Oman
9. Myanmar (Burma)
10. Ethiopia

If you love to travel, and have not visited Canada, it is certainly a destination that should be considered!

To read more on Lonely Planet’s Best Travel Destination for 2017, please click here.

The post Canada Ranked Best Travel Destination for 2017! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.