Promoting Toronto for you
Nov 5th, 2006, 06:19 AM
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Promoting Toronto for you
Big story in the Toronto Star yesterday about the need for good toruist promotion for Toronto, but very different ideas from various "experts."
What do you -- serious travellers all -- think would get more visitors?
Ideas ranged from just clenaingup the city and getting rid of the bums to holding more big-deal visiting exhibitions at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Hotel concierge suggested changing opening hours so Sunday mornings are not so dull, but visitors won't know sundays will be dull until they arrrive.
Another person suggest that Conon O'Brien's broadcast week from Toronto should be copied by lots of other American TV shows. Another said Americans would be attractged by TV ads.
So, what do you think would make Toronto a more popular tourist destination, and get people to come and visit?
BAK
What do you -- serious travellers all -- think would get more visitors?
Ideas ranged from just clenaingup the city and getting rid of the bums to holding more big-deal visiting exhibitions at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Hotel concierge suggested changing opening hours so Sunday mornings are not so dull, but visitors won't know sundays will be dull until they arrrive.
Another person suggest that Conon O'Brien's broadcast week from Toronto should be copied by lots of other American TV shows. Another said Americans would be attractged by TV ads.
So, what do you think would make Toronto a more popular tourist destination, and get people to come and visit?
BAK
Nov 5th, 2006, 08:11 AM
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To attract U.S. visitors, I think having talk show hosts (Ellen Degeneres, Oprah of course, late night hosts) broadcast from there is a great idea!
"Getting rid of the bums" doesn't appeal to me because those are homeless people, usually with mental or addiction problems who have no other options. Perhaps providing good day and evening places for them to stay would be an option? That said, my family spent 5 days in Toronto and the homeless people we saw never bothered us although we worried for them. Maybe check other big cities and see what worked or didn't work for them in helping the homeless? - Jill
"Getting rid of the bums" doesn't appeal to me because those are homeless people, usually with mental or addiction problems who have no other options. Perhaps providing good day and evening places for them to stay would be an option? That said, my family spent 5 days in Toronto and the homeless people we saw never bothered us although we worried for them. Maybe check other big cities and see what worked or didn't work for them in helping the homeless? - Jill
Nov 5th, 2006, 10:17 AM
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I think the "getting rid of the bums" is a very limited view - every city has bums and people still want to visit. It's not the bums who keep people away.
Increasing the visiting exhibitions is good in that it will increase the "long weekend" type visits. I don't know how much it will increase travels from more distant places - maybe some, but not extreme numbers.
I don't think extending Sunday hours will increase tourism. I wouldn't skip Toronto because the Bata Shoe Museum doesn't open until noon on Sunday, I'd just make that day a leisure day.
I think bringing TV shows to Toronto will help as will TV ads (magazine ads, radio ads, etc.). I think the majority of Americans are influenced by TV.
For me, one of the major attractions to Toronto is the musical history. So many musicians made their start in Toronto at places like the Horseshoe Tavern. I would push more of that concept: go to Toronto and hear next year's "It" performers.
Most of what I read and hear about Toronto is about the museums (Bata, Hockey, etc.). I think that detracts a bit from the rest of Toronto. I think maybe putting out a wider range of experiences would be good. The shopping, the islands, the special events, etc. I would definitely harness more publicity from the jazz festivals and the International Film Festival. Push more publicity on those, and people will start looking at Toronto as a destination.
Increasing the visiting exhibitions is good in that it will increase the "long weekend" type visits. I don't know how much it will increase travels from more distant places - maybe some, but not extreme numbers.
I don't think extending Sunday hours will increase tourism. I wouldn't skip Toronto because the Bata Shoe Museum doesn't open until noon on Sunday, I'd just make that day a leisure day.
I think bringing TV shows to Toronto will help as will TV ads (magazine ads, radio ads, etc.). I think the majority of Americans are influenced by TV.
For me, one of the major attractions to Toronto is the musical history. So many musicians made their start in Toronto at places like the Horseshoe Tavern. I would push more of that concept: go to Toronto and hear next year's "It" performers.
Most of what I read and hear about Toronto is about the museums (Bata, Hockey, etc.). I think that detracts a bit from the rest of Toronto. I think maybe putting out a wider range of experiences would be good. The shopping, the islands, the special events, etc. I would definitely harness more publicity from the jazz festivals and the International Film Festival. Push more publicity on those, and people will start looking at Toronto as a destination.
Nov 6th, 2006, 07:46 AM
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We recently visited our daughter who is working in Toronto. We're from the UK and would not have chosen to visit Toronto especially. However we were very impressed by the city. It's buzzing and the natives are incredibly friendly LOL.
We were disturbed by the number of beggars, many of whom obviously had mental health problems. In London they tackled a big problem with homeless people by providing more hostels/short stay places.
To attract more international visitors I'd advertise the music scene, the excellent restaurants, the waterfront activities- concerts, exhibitions.
When the Liebeskinf extension to the Royal Ontario Museum is finished that shoudl provide some extra push to promoting Toronto.
We were disturbed by the number of beggars, many of whom obviously had mental health problems. In London they tackled a big problem with homeless people by providing more hostels/short stay places.
To attract more international visitors I'd advertise the music scene, the excellent restaurants, the waterfront activities- concerts, exhibitions.
When the Liebeskinf extension to the Royal Ontario Museum is finished that shoudl provide some extra push to promoting Toronto.
Nov 6th, 2006, 08:04 AM
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As the largest city in English Canada, with a major airport, Toronto will always draw a certain share of visitors, if only out of curiosity. The proximity to Niagara Falls and somewhat to Quebec help the city as well for international visitors. As a good shopping, restaurant (love some restos in TO!) and entertainment destination, Toronto will always be able to pull in people from surrounding Ontario and western New York.
IMO Toronto suffers from a certain lack of identity, and a reputation as a business-oriented city (many people like to escape on their vacation). I think potential nonurban tourists think: why there and not some city that may be closer to them for their city fix of restos, museums, entertainment? As an example, I visited Chicago and then right after went to Toronto, and was *amazed* how similar the two cities felt. Only difference I could see is that Toronto has a bit more historic a feel, TO feels less conservative, and the streetcars add a certain charm. The problem with this lack of identity is why would someone who lives closer to Chicago (or NYC or DC etc...) think "let's go to Toronto!" when many want something that feels *different* on vacation?
That said, living in Montreal, I've visited a few times and generally like Toronto when I've visited. The city is only a 4 hr. train ride away though (in reverse, due to its further distance, I have no burning desire to go back to Chicago, even though I thought the city OK), an easy urban getaway not requiring airport hassles for me. It's not for me the big city amenities that draw me (have plenty of that here in Montreal) but more to visit friends (paying for accommodation is not an issue) and to have an urban getaway.
So suggestions: The large Chinatown(s) is something that does make Toronto stand out from many other N. American cities. Promoting it might not help much for global travellers, but could be a draw for other N. American travellers. One thought: I might enjoy more nice cycling paths and attractive greenspace along what I think is one of Toronto's biggest assets, Lake Ontario. This wouldn't draw many people I'm sure as other cities/countryside have great cycling paths too (San Francisco, Montreal), but I know I'd enjoy them.
Don't know if this helps. I look forward to going to the ROM for the first time next time I visit!
Best wishes, DAN
IMO Toronto suffers from a certain lack of identity, and a reputation as a business-oriented city (many people like to escape on their vacation). I think potential nonurban tourists think: why there and not some city that may be closer to them for their city fix of restos, museums, entertainment? As an example, I visited Chicago and then right after went to Toronto, and was *amazed* how similar the two cities felt. Only difference I could see is that Toronto has a bit more historic a feel, TO feels less conservative, and the streetcars add a certain charm. The problem with this lack of identity is why would someone who lives closer to Chicago (or NYC or DC etc...) think "let's go to Toronto!" when many want something that feels *different* on vacation?
That said, living in Montreal, I've visited a few times and generally like Toronto when I've visited. The city is only a 4 hr. train ride away though (in reverse, due to its further distance, I have no burning desire to go back to Chicago, even though I thought the city OK), an easy urban getaway not requiring airport hassles for me. It's not for me the big city amenities that draw me (have plenty of that here in Montreal) but more to visit friends (paying for accommodation is not an issue) and to have an urban getaway.
So suggestions: The large Chinatown(s) is something that does make Toronto stand out from many other N. American cities. Promoting it might not help much for global travellers, but could be a draw for other N. American travellers. One thought: I might enjoy more nice cycling paths and attractive greenspace along what I think is one of Toronto's biggest assets, Lake Ontario. This wouldn't draw many people I'm sure as other cities/countryside have great cycling paths too (San Francisco, Montreal), but I know I'd enjoy them.
Don't know if this helps. I look forward to going to the ROM for the first time next time I visit!
Best wishes, DAN
Nov 6th, 2006, 12:10 PM
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I loved Toronto! I was pleasantly surprised by the historical and natural parts as the image is "business"; this was a trip on a whim and I didn't do a whole lot of research.
I'd say that the diversity is something to celebrate, as well; part of the interest of a place is trying our the different foods and such.
I went to Niagara on a daytrip out from Toronto (independently); Niagara might not be happy about it, but to me, it was quite enough Niagara and I was glad I had seen the falls, but also glad to come back to such a vibrant city.
(My pix are here:
http://community.webshots.com/user/missalg
for anyone who would like to see what my trip was like.)
I'd say that the diversity is something to celebrate, as well; part of the interest of a place is trying our the different foods and such.
I went to Niagara on a daytrip out from Toronto (independently); Niagara might not be happy about it, but to me, it was quite enough Niagara and I was glad I had seen the falls, but also glad to come back to such a vibrant city.
(My pix are here:
http://community.webshots.com/user/missalg
for anyone who would like to see what my trip was like.)
Nov 6th, 2006, 01:27 PM
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Toronto has been identified as THE most diverse major city in the world... there should be major celebrations of this diversity on the scale of the annual Caribana Festival which draws hundreds of thousands each year...
There should also be a worldwide emphasis on the entire Niagara peninsula for its wine region, fine dining, Falls, and City life... when one thinks of San Francisco, the Napa/Sonoma region and Redwood forests are not far behind on the list of things to do...
There is often a selfish fight over the tourist dollar that tries to limit spending to Toronto proper, when a more regional aproach would benefit all...
There should also be a worldwide emphasis on the entire Niagara peninsula for its wine region, fine dining, Falls, and City life... when one thinks of San Francisco, the Napa/Sonoma region and Redwood forests are not far behind on the list of things to do...
There is often a selfish fight over the tourist dollar that tries to limit spending to Toronto proper, when a more regional aproach would benefit all...
Nov 6th, 2006, 05:04 PM
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Sorry, but I have travelled to many cities in North America and Toronto has way too many panhandlers. Letting people with mental illness wander the streets and lie on streetcorners doesnt do these people any favors although some may say it promotes tolerance I totally disagree. I think in essence a subculture has overtaken Toronto which makes it feel like as a tourist you are invading these people as there are so many of them. I can accept that there are homeless people but if I want to view poverty I will travel to India, not the the major city in my own home country where I will be forced to pay top dollar for a hotel and where of all the cities I have travelled to it is the only one where I have seen cocaine being openly snorted on a sidewalk cafe and gangs posturing on either side of the street on Elm Street righ outside of the restuarant where I had dinner. Do I want to go to Toronto as a tourist destination where I will have to drop a lot of money for a two day visit. I would rather go to Detroit.
Nov 19th, 2006, 05:47 AM
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Thanks for the replies so far.
Toronto just had a municipal election; the current mayor was re-elected, puting the "anti-panhandlers" candidate far back in secpond place, so don't expect any quick change to the situation. That said, panhandllers are easy enough to ignore the vast majority of the time, and easy enough to help out when you feel so inclined.
Tourism was an election issue -- how to get more of you to visit, stay longer, spend more, have an even better time, and tell your firends to come to Toronto.
As is the Canadian way, debbate ranged from Toronto tourism to Toronto and nearby, to Toronto and Ontario, to the whole country.
Should there be moose in the ads? What about Mounties.
Incidentally, Mounties, when dressed in their red formal uniforms with the big hats, are a big cultuiral icon even for long-time Canadianas and they markedch in many Remembrance Day parades a week ago.
NEW QUESTION IN THIS THREAD -- does one big attraction or event attract you, assuimng there are some otehr things to do, too, (i.e. cme to see the new musical about Queen, at $75-$100 a ticket, or a world-special travelling exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museumand enjoy some other things too...
....or
Do you want a whole buffet table of things to do, none of which need to stand out in a spotlight -- restaurants, musuems, jazz played by whomever happens to be at the club, shopping in good stores, etc.
BAK
Toronto just had a municipal election; the current mayor was re-elected, puting the "anti-panhandlers" candidate far back in secpond place, so don't expect any quick change to the situation. That said, panhandllers are easy enough to ignore the vast majority of the time, and easy enough to help out when you feel so inclined.
Tourism was an election issue -- how to get more of you to visit, stay longer, spend more, have an even better time, and tell your firends to come to Toronto.
As is the Canadian way, debbate ranged from Toronto tourism to Toronto and nearby, to Toronto and Ontario, to the whole country.
Should there be moose in the ads? What about Mounties.
Incidentally, Mounties, when dressed in their red formal uniforms with the big hats, are a big cultuiral icon even for long-time Canadianas and they markedch in many Remembrance Day parades a week ago.
NEW QUESTION IN THIS THREAD -- does one big attraction or event attract you, assuimng there are some otehr things to do, too, (i.e. cme to see the new musical about Queen, at $75-$100 a ticket, or a world-special travelling exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museumand enjoy some other things too...
....or
Do you want a whole buffet table of things to do, none of which need to stand out in a spotlight -- restaurants, musuems, jazz played by whomever happens to be at the club, shopping in good stores, etc.
BAK
Nov 19th, 2006, 06:58 PM
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BAK - my first trip to Canada was to the Ottawa Folk Festival in Ottawa. The festival lasted 4 days, I was there for 8. I'm also hoping to go for the Winterlude Festival, so I guess I would go specifically for one event, depending how long it lasts and what else is there to see in the city. Living close to SF, I probably wouldn't visit to see a travelling exhibit or show as it will likely be in SF at some point.
Next summer, I will be coming to Toronto for 5 days. I have on my list to visit:
Ontario Place
Toronto Islands
ROM
AGO
underground shopping mall (my 10 year old niece wants to know exactly what it's like
)
High Park
Toronto Zoo
CN Tower
Kensington Market
Bloor St
Horseshoe Tavern
and if there's time (I may take a day to visit friends in Janetville):
Casa Loma
Ontario Science Centre
additional ethnic communities in the city
For me, beavers, moose and Mounties are a big part of Canada. There is something very romantic about the scarlet uniform.
Next summer, I will be coming to Toronto for 5 days. I have on my list to visit:
Ontario Place
Toronto Islands
ROM
AGO
underground shopping mall (my 10 year old niece wants to know exactly what it's like
)High Park
Toronto Zoo
CN Tower
Kensington Market
Bloor St
Horseshoe Tavern
and if there's time (I may take a day to visit friends in Janetville):
Casa Loma
Ontario Science Centre
additional ethnic communities in the city
For me, beavers, moose and Mounties are a big part of Canada. There is something very romantic about the scarlet uniform.
Nov 20th, 2006, 08:24 AM
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NEW QUESTION IN THIS THREAD -- does one big attraction or event attract you,
YES.....and I only live 2 hours away, but will spend the money and time to stay overnight, shop, visit galleries and dine when I'm in Toronto if I'm coming for a play, hockey game or cultural event.
I do think the idea of promoting the Niagara and Toronto region as one destination in some advertisements is a good one as both could benefit. The triangle transportation through Niagara Air Bus seems to specifically target that idea, and more could be done to ease the way for travellers who want to visit both.
People do love those Mounties so why not use them in advertising? The last logo for Toronto tourism was a total bust imho. They would have been better off with a Mountie and the CN tower!
YES.....and I only live 2 hours away, but will spend the money and time to stay overnight, shop, visit galleries and dine when I'm in Toronto if I'm coming for a play, hockey game or cultural event.
I do think the idea of promoting the Niagara and Toronto region as one destination in some advertisements is a good one as both could benefit. The triangle transportation through Niagara Air Bus seems to specifically target that idea, and more could be done to ease the way for travellers who want to visit both.
People do love those Mounties so why not use them in advertising? The last logo for Toronto tourism was a total bust imho. They would have been better off with a Mountie and the CN tower!
Nov 20th, 2006, 10:05 AM
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toedtoes,
Toronto is full of festivals and street fairs in the summer -- two or three every weekend. Keep your eye on the What's On section of the Toronto Star, Toronto Life magazine and NOW magazine to see what's happening.
If you can manage it time-wise, your niece might really enjoy Niagara Falls, both for the falls themselves and all the junky touristy kinds of things that kids generally like, like the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum or Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
Toronto is full of festivals and street fairs in the summer -- two or three every weekend. Keep your eye on the What's On section of the Toronto Star, Toronto Life magazine and NOW magazine to see what's happening.
If you can manage it time-wise, your niece might really enjoy Niagara Falls, both for the falls themselves and all the junky touristy kinds of things that kids generally like, like the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum or Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
Nov 20th, 2006, 01:19 PM
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HDM - I've heard about those street fairs and festivals and hope to hit at least one or two while I'm there. I know already that Toronto will be a "repeat" trip.
I'm actually going to Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Montreal this trip. I've been to both Ottawa and Niagara Falls before.
My niece won't be going with me, but has ordered me to go to the underground mall for her. It and Niagara Falls are on her list of must sees when her mom says she's old enough to go with me.
I'm actually going to Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Montreal this trip. I've been to both Ottawa and Niagara Falls before.
My niece won't be going with me, but has ordered me to go to the underground mall for her. It and Niagara Falls are on her list of must sees when her mom says she's old enough to go with me.
Nov 25th, 2006, 10:06 AM
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2 years ago I visited Toronto for a week ... there was 1 specific reason why I went and that was to see the Famous People Players. (WOW! Was that great!!)
While I was there, I had some great experiences. I really enjoyed the St. Lawrence Market ... and I LOVED bumping into (literally) one of my favorite actors. (Alan Rickman)
I want to go to Toronto again and spend more time.
While I was there, I had some great experiences. I really enjoyed the St. Lawrence Market ... and I LOVED bumping into (literally) one of my favorite actors. (Alan Rickman)
I want to go to Toronto again and spend more time.
