Destination Toronto announced that Andrew Weir has been named as the President & CEO of the organization, starting from May 1. Weir has been a valuable member of the leadership team at Destination Toronto for the last 18 years, holding the position of Executive Vice President. With his extensive experience in Toronto’s tourism industry, Weir has actively contributed to various boards, such as Destination International’s DMAP Board, and served as the Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) from 2021-2023.
Weir is widely regarded as a fervent supporter and influential figure in the field. In his latest position as Executive Vice President, he spearheaded collaborations between the tourism industry, wider business leadership, and government, establishing the groundwork for the ongoing expansion of the visitor economy and its impact on the region. Before that, as Chief Marketing Officer, Weir spearheaded a transformation within the organization to synchronize sales and marketing efforts through compelling brand narratives.
“Having conducted a thorough North American search, we are thrilled to announce Andrew Weir as Destination Toronto’s new President & CEO,” said Rekha Khote, Chair of the Board of Directors at Destination Toronto. “Andrew is the right leader for our organization, bringing a deep understanding of Toronto’s visitor economy, a vision for the business, and the ability to bring people together. We are confident that his established strong community connections will act as a catalyst for driving innovation and growth in critical areas of the business.”
“I’m deeply honored and excited to lead Destination Toronto at this critical time,” said Andrew Weir. “Toronto is Canada’s most-visited destination, and for good reason. The genuine diversity and vibrancy of our arts, food, festivals and neighbourhoods, against one of the world’s truly spectacular skylines, continue to excite and attract visitors from around the world. The opportunity of tourism and meetings in Toronto is immense and we have seen the power of visitor spending to elevate our economy and community.”
In 2023, Toronto received an impressive influx of nearly 9 million overnight visitors, resulting in a substantial visitor spending of over $7 billion.