Next year could be even better
Kingston's tourism sector is finishing the year strong, according to Tourism Kingston, despite ongoing challenges.
The Kingstonist reports that the city saw significant growth in leisure tourism, film production, and sport tourism, with overnight stays increasing compared to day trips.
High inflation, slow cross-border U.S. visitor return, and a six-month LaSalle Causeway closure impacted tourism.
The city recorded 2.2 million visits from January to September 2024, generating $403 million in spending.
Kingston also gained exposure from the April solar eclipse, which boosted visits and website traffic.
Tourism officials emphasized the need for a conference centre to capture larger events, noting lost business opportunities due to limited space.
The film sector also thrived, hosting productions such as Murdoch Mysteries' 300th episode, with potential for a new studio development.