Port of Toronto – Welcoming world travellers The first ship returned in 1997. At one time, cruising was big business on the Great Lakes. However, hampered in part by the size of new ships and the limitations of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Great Lakes became inaccessible to the modern fleet of cruising vessels. But when the c.Columbus pulled into the Port of Toronto, ending a 25-year hiatus for cruise ships in the area, it signalled a resurgence in cruise ship business at the Port of Toronto, and ushered in a new wave of tourism for the city. " Since 1997, we have seen cruise ships returning to the Port of Toronto in steadily increasing numbers," said Stephen Burnett, executive director of the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition. This year 14 cruise ships are expected to visit the port between May and September. The growth of cruising on the Great Lakes in recent years can be largely attributed to the formation of the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition , of which the Toronto Port Authority is a founding member. This coalition emerged during the 1990s, when several ports on both sides of the Canada/U.S. border indicated an interest in reviving the long dormant Great Lakes cruise trade. Membership in the coalition grew quickly, and the Canadian and United States St. Lawrence Seaway authorities lent their knowledge and vast experience to the coalition. Formal plans were laid and a business process was embraced, and it was not long before the ships started returning to embrace the beauty of the Great Lakes. This year, the Port of Toronto will once more host international cruise vessels, flying flags of several nations as they bring guests from around the world. French, German, British and American travellers will embark and disembark at this unique metropolitan downtown location. " The options for the tourist pulling into the Port of Toronto are endless," Mr. Burnett said. " Some visitors will stay in Toronto for a post-cruise holiday, while others will enjoy a quick look before moving on to explore other area attractions, such as a wine lover's excursion to the famous vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula." The Port of Toronto plays is an integral part of Great Lakes cruising and will continue to roll out the welcome mat as part of the city's inbound tourism program. Source: Canadian Sailings