You may hear more American accents on the streets of Toronto this summer….and not just because it’s July 4th.

Statistics show the number of tourists from the US to our city has increased by six per cent.

And that means they’re spending more, to the tune of a billion dollars a year into the Toronto economy. Andrew Weir of Tourism Toronto says many are more discerning travelers from major cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago who spend more and stay longer.

Experts say an increase in the number of flights from the US Northeast is making it easier for tourists to get here. And seventy million more Americans have responded to US travel rules by taking out a passport.