Toronto Hosts World’s Largest Gathering of
Head and Neck Surgeons

Toronto, ON – Toronto welcomes the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation, today until September 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for its 2006 Annual Meeting and OTO EXPO.  The 8,000-delegate event is expected to generate more than $13 million in economic visitor spending throughout the Toronto region.

“We’re honoured that the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation selected Toronto for its first international annual meeting,” said Bruce MacMillan, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “It has been a strong year for medical meetings, having already hosted global medical leaders in AIDS, psychiatry and osteoporosis.”

The AAO-HNS by the numbers:
• 8,000-delegates 
• $13 million in visitor spending throughout the Toronto  region.
• 12 hotels across the Greater Toronto Area hosting delegates

About the IAFF
The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is the world's largest organization representing specialists who treat the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science and ethical practice of otolaryngology--head and neck surgery through education, research, and lifelong learning.

About Tourism Toronto
Tourism Toronto, Toronto’s Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,000 members established to strategically sell and market the Greater Toronto Region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travelers around the globe.   For more information on Tourism Toronto, please visit, www.torontotourism.com.

-30-

For more information contact:
Michele Simpson
Manager, Media Relations
(416) 987-1738
msimpson@torcvb.com