Toronto's waterfront tourism receives an enhancement with boat excursions along the Great Lakes
John Waggoner, Founder and CEO of Victory Cruise Lines, is leading the charge in the growing cruise industry on The Great Lakes. The company operates five boats on The Great Lakes, with two more making stops, all specially built for the region and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
The demand for Great Lakes cruises is high among Americans who wish to explore their backyard. This demand is driving a 20% annual growth in the industry. In 2025, 48 cruise ships are expected to visit Toronto, with Victory Cruise Lines making 29 visits next year alone.
Kelly Jackson, Vice-President of Destination Development at Destination Toronto, is a firm believer in the growth of the cruise ship industry. She sees it as a growing layer of Toronto's visitor economy, contributing significantly to the city's global reputation and attractiveness to visitors.
Toronto's cruise season typically runs from May to October. Approximately 21,000 "fairly high-end" tourists come to the city to enjoy cruises. The cruise industry on The Great Lakes is a $250 million-a-year business.
Size constraints limit the types of ships that can make their way to the Port of Toronto. However, this hasn't stopped Victory Cruise Lines from making a mark. The company's inaugural season is nearing completion, and its marketing is expanding towards Canadians.
In a move to increase its presence in Toronto, Celebrity Cruises, another major player in the industry, is expected to appear more frequently in Toronto next season and plans to expand its marketing towards Canadians.
Victory Cruise Lines' latest ship, the Victory I, is departing with 190 new passengers. The company's intention to expand into the Eastern seaboard is a testament to its commitment to growth and expansion in the region.
The growth of the cruise industry in Toronto is a positive sign for the city's economy and tourism sector. As more cruise lines choose to make Toronto a regular stop, the city's appeal as a destination for both locals and tourists is set to grow.
Read also:
- Urgent investment: Province funds 5.3 million dollars for expanding primary care in Elgin-Middlesex-London area
- Federal Environmental Protection Agency under scrutiny for alleged manipulation of soil sample results following East Palestine catastrophe
- Colon Cancer Genetic Testing: Insights into its Function, Application, and Additional Details
- RFK Jr. Takes Bold Step in Vaccine Research Development, Possibly Poseing a Threat to Public Safety
