Tourism Toronto Announces Lucky NYC Couple to Wed during Toronto Pride 2012

TORONTO/NEW YORK - Tourism Toronto hosted a New York City-based contest in early June, offering a marriage to one lucky LGBT couple during Toronto's 2012 Pride Festival. The festival, one of the largest in the world, begins June 22nd and concludes with the marquee event, the Toronto Pride Parade, on July 1st.

The New York City contest included a cake installation where LGBT couples were able to enter to win by having their photo taken posing with the cake. Photos were snapped June 1st-3rd, in New York City with more than 100 entries received.

Couples' photos were hosted on Tourism Toronto's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/visittoronto), where participants tagged themselves and shared their entry. Tourism Toronto selected the winning couple based on charisma, enthusiasm and a statement submitted on why they'd like to get married during Toronto's Pride Festival.

New York City LGBT residents Carter Etherington and Breken Elwood, whose photo and story submission stole the hearts of many, are the winning couple who will receive an exclusive wedding gift from Tourism Toronto, including two round trip Executive Class airline tickets from New York City to Toronto on Air Canada, hotel accommodations at the luxurious Windsor Arms Hotel, ground transfers, marriage ceremony as part of the Pride Parade, and more, valued at more than $20,000.

"We're incredibly proud as New Yorkers that our state finally recognizes our relationship. And, it's a huge honor to marry in Toronto, a city we both love in a country that led the world in treating all loving relationships as fully and finally equal," said winner Carter Etherington. "We can't think of a better place or a better time to start the rest of our lives together, and we're so grateful to Toronto for treating us as family - and as Torontonians in spirit," added winner Breken Elwood.

"Toronto is the first jurisdiction in North America to conduct same sex marriages and continues to be one of the hottest destinations for gay couples," said David Whitaker, President & CEO of Tourism Toronto.

"We are proud of the decade long legacy of gay marriage in Toronto and look forward to welcoming Carter and Breken as they take center stage during Pride Week."

Carter and Breken will be married on July 1st - Canada Day - during the 2012 Toronto Pride Parade on a float designed just for their special wedding day, while surrounded by family and friends who will be flying in to join them.

"Pride Toronto is thrilled to have Carter and Breken join us for their wedding! Toronto's LGBTQ communities are excited to be welcoming the newlyweds-to-be at one of North America's largest Pride festivals. We look forward to celebrating their marriage in style," said Kevin Beaulieu, Executive Director of Pride Toronto.

Pride Week in Toronto, now in its 32nd year, is one of Canada's premier arts and cultural festivals. The festival attracts more than one million people, making it one of the largest Pride celebrations and street festivals in the world. Toronto will host World Pride in the summer of 2014 simultaneously with Toronto Pride Week.

Tourism Toronto, Toronto's Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,200 members established to sell and market the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travellers around the globe. Tourism Toronto operates in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture as Regional Tourism Organization 5, representing the cities of Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton.

Air Canada offers the most non-stop service from the New York City metropolitan area to Toronto, It is the only carrier to offer service to Toronto from all three major New York City area airports - LaGuardia, JFK and Newark with up to 38 return flights a day. Earn Aeroplan Miles on every flight. Enjoy a touch-screen TV at your seat, plus power outlets within easy reach. It's all part of Air Canada's award-winning service .

Consecutively voted the #1 hotel in Toronto by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Windsor Arms Hotel is nestled on quiet street ideally located just steps away from Yorkville, the heart of Toronto's most fashionable shopping and entertainment district. An aura of warmth, discreet luxury, and the latest technology combined with our exceptional level of service makes Windsor Arms Toronto's most luxurious boutique hotel. Behind our century-old portals are 28 newly-appointed luxury suites with 24-hour butler service.

LINKS:

www.aircanada.com
www.windsorarmshotel.com
www.SeeTorontoNow.com