TORONTO — As part of the Massachusetts – Canada Innovation Partnership Mission, Governor Deval Patrick met this week with top Canadian travel and tourism officials to make the case for the Massachusetts tourism industry at a roundtable discussion in Toronto.

In 2012, the state of Massachusetts hosted 20 million domestic visitors and 2.1 million international visitors. With 691,000 visitors to Massachusetts last year, Canada was the top country of origin for international visitors to the state. Visitors from Canada spent an estimated $487 million in the Massachusetts, and contributed $27 million in state taxes.

“Massachusetts is home to some of America’s most renowned icons, history and globally recognized creative economy and cultural talent pool,” said Governor Patrick. “In order to maintain our competitive edge in the tourism industry, we must strengthen our global relationships and show the world everything Massachusetts has to offer.

“We really have extraordinary historic sites that really are about the origins of the United States and the experiment in democracy that we as a nation represent – but are still trying to figure out,” says Governor Patrick. “The current government shutdown has not impacted tourism yet, but I think if the shutdown is sustained, it will have an impact to the extent that an economic slowdown would affect tourism.”

The state of Massachusetts has a variety of regions including Boston, Cape Cod and the Islands, Western Massachusetts and more. Furthermore, there are many different draws such as culture, shopping, great restaurants, beaches, museums and plenty of outdoor activities – hiking, biking and skiing to name a few.

Massachusetts has also partnered with Porter Airlines to increase accessible, affordable air travel between Toronto and Boston, with nine daily flights now serving the two cities. Flights leave from downtown Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, and then the airport in Boston is 20 minutes from downtown – a quick commute.

Air Canada and U.S. carriers also offer convenient flights from several Canadian cities.

“Canada is our largest international market and continued investment helps drive visitors to the Commonwealth,” said Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Betsy Wall. “The Governor’s visit emphasizes the importance of Canadian visitors to our economy.”