In the LGBTQ culture, Toronto is widely regarded as having one of the most diverse, accepting and enjoyable Pride celebrations around. And this amazing international city, thanks to its open attitude and wonderful neighbourhoods, is a popular queer destination. Back in May 2018, the city also hosted the IGLTA Convention. We spoke with Scott Beck, Tourism Toronto's President & CEO, about how his company focuses on queer travelers.
TravelPulse (TP): For years, Toronto has been a splendid LGBTQ destination. What's fresh and different in the region for travelers who have been there in the past? In 2020, why should a queer traveller visit the city?
Scott Beck (SB): Toronto Pride is one of the world's biggest Pride gatherings, and the Family Pride initiative honoring families in the city is one of the special aspects of it. There's a lot more to it than just Sunday's Pride Parade-Trans Pride, the Dyke March, the Drag Ball, Blockorama-a it's month-long celebration for Toronto that's evolving alongside the city.
TIFF comes to mind when you think of Toronto, but Toronto is also host to the largest LGBT film festival in Canada, InsideOut. Come in May, if you're a cinephile, and celebrate queer cinema.
TP: The IGLTA conference was hosted by Toronto in 2018 and is well known for its annual Pride festivities. What do you think makes the city such a perfect LGBTQ tourist destination?
SB: We are a town that is as varied as our tourists. But what makes it a perfect group destination? For instance, we're home to the largest gay community in Canada with an end-to-end flourishing LGBTQ scene. We are renowned and we don't apologize for our progressiveness and inclusivity. It belongs to our DNA. Film, art, music, dance, and we also have a vibrant community of innovation here. Our artistic culture, both as designers and users, is inextricably tied to the LGBT community. TP: As the entire population becomes more egalitarian, many cities have lost their "gay boroughs". Is this the case in Toronto, or are there areas which are still interesting places to go to?
SB: One of the advantages of being a progressive, diverse and inclusive destination is that we don't need a gay culture as much as we do. You have less need for a go-to place as you have more gay individuals living and being publicly embraced as themselves. There is inclusivity everywhere. But for our village, there'll always be a spot. It's a culture harbinger, packed with tradition, community, and, quite frankly, the country's best drag scene, including RuPaul's Drag Race home town queen Brooke Lynn Hytes. TP: In terms of tourism, how important is the LGBTQ market to your city and region? How do you actively market to these tourists, and what types of media do you use?
SB: When we say we're an inclusive city, we mean it. And that means that we're still inclusive in our ads. Marketing activity is not directly isolated from the community; it is part of our overall brand and brand platform. As the LGBTQ community is a huge part of Toronto, all of our marketing material includes a cross-section of the LGBTQ community.
One way we meet LGBTQ travelers is through ads and social influencers. Last year, just as Rupaul's Drag Race was screening, we teamed up with Destination Canada and North Brooke Queen Lynn Hytes. She visited her hometown and shared it with her followers on social media. TP: What are the key online portals for travelers planning a trip to Toronto that you can recommend? Are there any explicitly tailored online or in-print guides for queer travellers?
SB: SeeTorontoNow.com, our website, highlights some of the biggest LGBTQ events and activities to take part in, from nightlife, bars and clubs, to Pride, Inside Out and other festivals. Xtra, LGBT NOW, In Magazine, My GayTorontoNow and LGBT-friendly sites such as BlogTO and DailyHive also have a lot of gay magazines for the city. TP: What are some of the key attractions that you would suggest to queer tourists outside the capital, but in the surrounding region?
SB: A day-trip away from Toronto is one of Canada's hidden gems. A dream for wine-lovers is Prince Edward County, or "The County," as it's called. Loads of wineries, a wonderful gastronomic scene and the nearby stunning sandy beach called Sandbanks. It also happens to be an LGBT culture hotspot. So, you can do winery tours in The County when you're done bar hopping in Toronto.
TP: Can you talk about the food scene in and around Toronto a little bit, and what's the trend now?
SB: A advantage of being as diverse as we are means it is balanced by our culinary scene. That means food for fusion. Toronto is a culinary center with flavors that you have to try out globally. The list goes on and on: Chinese-Jamaican at Patois, Japanese-Peruvian at Chotto Matte, French-American at Louix Louis. You'll find it in Toronto if there's a form of food you want to try, and it'll be like nothing you've seen before. TP: If there were just 24 hours in Toronto for a queer tourist, what itinerary would you intend for them?
SB: First things first... for longer, you might say! But if you're just 24 hours old, you absolutely need to check out the village. Take part in a drag show, bar hop along the strip and enjoy watching people from the cafes. And it's time to be merry this year. At Nathan Phillips Square, go skating and visit the Distillery District Christmas Market.
TP: Have I forgotten anything else that a queer traveller should know about Toronto?
SB: I'm new to Toronto on my own, so I get to see it the way a tourist does. I've been given such a warm welcome everywhere I've explored. The same experience our queer tourists have. I can't wait for you to visit and come!