PortsToronto Announces Best Year on Record at Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal

More than Doubling the 2018 Season, a Record 36 Cruise Ships Have Brought Approximately 12,000 Visitors to Toronto from May to October 2019

TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - A growing hub for tourism, the Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal welcomes thousands of passengers to Toronto each year. This season – which extends to October 22 – will mark the Port of Toronto's busiest yet as the number of cruise ships visiting our city has more than doubled in 2019, with 36 ships calling at the Port of Toronto this summer and fall, bringing approximately 12,000 visitors to Toronto.

On October 22, the Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal will close its strongest cruising season yet with the departure of Victory Cruise Lines' MV Victory I. (CNW Group/PortsToronto)

French cruise line Ponant returned to the Great Lakes and the Port of Toronto this season after several years' absence with their 5-star ship the MV Le Champlain, bringing with it 184 passengers eager to experience all that Toronto has to offer. (CNW Group/PortsToronto)

"It is no secret that the Great Lakes cruise ship industry is growing, and its impact on Toronto's tourism sector is undeniable," said Geoffrey Wilson, CEO of PortsToronto. "Thousands of cruise ship passengers arrive in our city through the Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal each year, often staying for several days to visit the city's restaurants, shops, and countless events and attractions. We are thrilled to see the number of cruise lines visiting Toronto increase and are looking forward to what 2020 will bring."

One of Canada's largest inland ports, the Port of Toronto offers a unique and popular urban experience for travellers making their way through the Great Lakes.

About PortsToronto (http://www.portstoronto.com/)
For more than 100 years, PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed 2.8 million passengers in 2018; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada's largest freshwater marinas; and, Marine Terminal 52, which provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port of Toronto. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $11 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a nine-member board with representation from all three levels of government.

SOURCE PortsToronto

Media Contact: Sarah Sutton, Manager, Communications, PortsToronto, Cell: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]