Canadians love poking fun at TORONTO or bitching about it, but tourists seem to think we’re dandy.  According to figures released yesterday, tourism brought in $4.6 billion in revenue last year.

In 2011, Tourism Toronto reports the number of hotel rooms sold surpassed 9 million – an all-time record.  Also, the Americans are coming back – a growing number by air.  For the first time since 2006, overnight stays by American tourists has increased, with many of them arriving by air, instead of automobile.  Porter Air and Billy Bishop Island Airport probably had something to do with that.

Globally, there’s been a rapid increase in visitors from China, India and Brazil.  Chinese numbers went up by 40% in 2010; 35% in 2011.

In 2011, this city opened 1,118 new hotel rooms.  On the North American Hotel Occupancy List, TORONTO ranks number 6, with some heavy competition.
1.  New York City – 81% occupancy
2.  Oahu Island – 78%
3.  San Francisco – 75%
4.  Miami – 70%
5.  Boston – 69%
6.  Toronto – 68.3%
7.  Anaheim – 68.1%
8.  Los Angeles – 68.0%
9.  Vancouver – 67.7%
10.  Washington DC – 67.0%
(Source – Smith Travel Research)

Despite worldwide chaos, recession (and Mayor Rob Ford), TORONTO is – so far – doing quite well, thank you.