Toronto holds true to its name, which comes from the Huron word for “meeting place.” New attractions are keeping the city in the spotlight as an exciting and diverse business destination, and “the combination of hotels for every budget, two downtown convention centers, and an ever-changing restaurant scene make Toronto an ideal choice,” says Julie Holmen, director of corporate sales at Tourism Toronto.
Toronto’s draws include the historic Casa Loma, Ontario Science Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Toronto Raptors and Blue Jays. National Geographic named St. Lawrence Market the World’s Best Market, and the city is renowned for its Yorkville shopping district, as well as theater and distillery districts.
The famed Royal Ontario Museum, an ideal venue for seminars, dinners, and receptions, boasts dynamic collections and exhibitions, and dramatic public areas. The city is even home to a SPiN ping pong club location co-owned by Susan Sarandon. The 12,000-square-foot social club offers tournaments and private instruction by professional players, as well as a full food and cocktail menu.
“In summer 2013, we will see the new Ripley’s Aquarium open. Not only will this be a six-level aquarium, but they will also operate as a venue space after hours and can accommodate up to 1,200 people,” says Holmen. Next door to the CN Tower, the multi-million dollar, 130,000- square-foot aquarium will feature over 45 interactive exhibits.
Also, the $20 million Canada Square and Ontario Square will open in summer 2013. Other new attractions include Legoland Discovery Centre and a giant panda exhibit opening this month at the Toronto Zoo. In Yorkville, cigar lover’s paradise La Casa del Habano recently introduced its refreshed 1,700-square-foot store in a new location on Yorkville Avenue. At Yorkdale Shopping Centre, a $185 million, 145,00-square-foot retail expansion introduced 30 new stores in late 2012. Harbourfront Centre opened a new $25 million underground parking facility and its main art gallery has undergone a redesign. And the Niagara Parks Commission has announced that the next phase of redevelopment at Table Rock Centre, an upgrade of the Falls Incline Railway, is underway.
“Toronto is also a hub of innovation in IT, health sciences, food and beverage, and financial services, giving access to numerous local experts, guest speakers, and potential partnerships, which add to the events that we host every year,” Holmen says. The 1-million-square-foot International Centre, host to over 450 exhibitions and conferences a year, is undergoing a $4.5 million renovation slated for completion in fall 2013.
Adding flavor to Toronto’s restaurant scene is the $2.5 million Cibo Wine Bar, opening this month in the center of the King West district. Against the Grain Urban Tavern is a new bar and restaurant and multi-million dollar space with three bars, two patios, and 436 seats. The Stone House Lounge is a fresh 1,200-square-foot venue at the historic Glenerin Inn & Spa, ideal for corporate retreats. And there has been much talk about the opening of Tabule, a unique Middle Eastern restaurant that debuted this spring.
Also, Turf Lounge, featuring a recently renovated 2,000-square-foot bar area, brings the excitement of horse racing to Toronto’s financial district. The venue can accommodate up to 270 and more than 60 televisions deliver simulcast horse racing from across North America. Live tellers and automated wagering terminals are located throughout the venue and onsite wagering assistance is available.
In Toronto hotel news, Metropolitan Hotel Toronto was sold to Bayview Hospitality Group in January 2013, and the property will be rebranded as the city’s first DoubleTree By Hilton, with an anticipated opening of summer 2013. One King West Hotel & Residence will launch a $1.2 million hospitality suite, a 2,500-square-foot space across two floors, in spring 2013. The Radisson Admiral Hotel recently debuted a new conference center, featuring a glass-enclosed atrium with an open foyer for exhibits and receptions, and two additional boardrooms. The property also made over its Admiral Ballroom, and renovated the lobby and guest rooms.
“[Several] luxury brands have opened in Toronto over the last few years,” says Holmen. “Not only has this added new and five-star inventory to the city, but it also has everyone else upping their game with ongoing upgrades to many of the hotels’ guest rooms and meeting spaces.”
A new Four Seasons flagship property opened in Toronto in October 2012 in Yorkville. In summer 2012, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the Asian-based luxury hotel group, debuted the Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto, including the opening of Momofuku. The Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto also completed a $2 million expansion of Quartz Crystal Spa.