October 2025 - Delsuites' Blog
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October 2025

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Bringing Innovation Home: DelSuites at GBTA’s 2025 Mobility Summit

October 29, 2025
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Big news! DelSuites is heading to GBTA’s 2025 Workforce Mobility & Travel Summit. It’s where the biggest names in business travel and mobility gather to share ideas, tackle challenges, and explore what’s next for the future of work and travel. 

We’re especially excited to show how DelSuites provides high-quality, affordable accommodations and business hospitality for organizations sending teams to Toronto, giving professionals the comfort and stability they need to stay productive.

The countdown is on, and we’re ready to be part of the action once again. 

Stay with us as we’ll be sharing the details as we gear up for this much-anticipated event.

A Quick Look at the GBTA 

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s leading organization for professionals in business travel and meetings. Representing an industry worth nearly $1.6 trillion worldwide, the GBTA has more than 9,000 members (including us) and continues to shape the future of corporate mobility.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. The GBTA and its foundation bring in more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts through education, research, media, advocacy, and signature events, ranging from global conventions to local chapter meetups.

What sets GBTA apart is its international reach, with members in 70+ countries, and its commitment to advancing education, community, and policy. For anyone managing mobility programs or influencing travel decisions, the GBTA is a hub where leadership and solutions come together.

Recent GBTA 2025 Canada Conference Highlights

Recently, the GBTA shared insights into the Canadian business travel sector at its 2025 Canada Conference, held April 28–30 in Toronto. 

Here are a few highlights from the conference:

  • Canada is now the 13th largest business travel market worldwide, and spending is forecasted to hit $44.3B CAD in 2025 (a 17.7% jump), faster than the global average.
  • Around 84% of Canadian business travellers say trips are worth it for getting work done.
  • The average spend per trip is $1,760 CAD, which is less than that of U.S. travellers, but still above the global average of $834 USD.
  • Among the top reasons for travel are conferences (23%), training (20%), and sales/partner meetings (12%).
  • Bleisure travel, mixing work and personal time, remains strong, with 55% of Canadians extending their trips.

What’s clear is that Canadians still see the value in being face-to-face, and the way we travel here doesn’t always match global patterns. GBTA insights like these are useful as they give us the bigger picture and help everyone in the industry plan smarter. 

What to Expect at the GBTA Workforce Mobility & Travel Summit 2025

GBTA’s Workforce Mobility & Travel Summit (formerly Project Crew and Team Travel Summit, PCTT) is headed to Phoenix, Arizona, this November. 

Built for professionals managing some of the most complex and specialized travel programs, this summit combines sharp learning sessions with meaningful networking and real-world problem solving.

Key details:

  • Venue and location: Camby Hotel, Autograph Collection, 2401 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
  • Dates: November 13–14, 2025
  • Format: Welcome reception, plus one full day of sessions and networking 

The sessions get straight to the point, covering travel logistics, risk management, mobility issues, and the tech reshaping the way teams move. Expect practical case studies and lots of open conversations about the complexities of working in a fragmented travel ecosystem.

If you’re looking for strategies, connections, and fresh ways to tackle complex mobility needs, this summit belongs on your calendar.

DelSuites at the Summit: Why We’re Thrilled to Join 

We’re proud to be an exhibitor and sponsor of the GBTA Mobility Summit. The summit is a chance to connect directly with professionals who know what it takes to move people, teams, and projects around the world.

Mobility programs face a unique set of challenges, balancing cost, comfort, logistics, and risk while also making sure travellers can do their jobs without added stress. 

At DelSuites, we provide fully serviced apartments that help relieve some of that pressure, giving organizations flexible, reliable accommodations wherever projects take them.

By joining the summit, we’re looking forward to:

  • Supporting an event that brings buyers and suppliers together to find workable solutions for complex mobility programs.
  • Meeting industry peers across sectors like sports, energy, non-profits, and emergency management.
  • Sharing solutions for comfortable, fully serviced housing that works for diverse travel programs.

With 20+ years in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, we’ve built a reputation for flexible, reliable accommodations that organizations can count on. Our locations are close to business hubs, fully furnished, and backed by 24/7 support, making them a practical choice when traditional hotels just don’t fit the bill.

That’s why joining the GBTA Mobility Summit means a lot to us. We understand the pressure organizations face in managing complex travel, and we’re here to be part of the solution.

Equally important, we’re always looking to learn, adapt, and apply new approaches. We take insights from events like this and use them to better support our clients’ evolving mobility needs.

Why GBTA Membership Matters to DelSuites

We’ve been proud GBTA members for years, and every summit reminds us why. It’s a space for connection, collaboration, and building smarter ways to support companies and their people. 

These connections create opportunities for networking, career growth, and access to the latest insights driving the industry forward.

As GBTA members, we also unlock a host of benefits that bolster our commitment to excellence:

  • Smarter connections: Through a global directory and chapter events, we connect with peers, learn from mentors, and stay current in a fast-moving industry. 
  • Library of resources: Access to webinars, over 2,000 expert resources, RFP templates, toolkits, and benchmarking data helps us sharpen our services and decision-making. 
  • Ongoing learning: Through on-demand content to member-only courses like the Global Travel Professional and strategic leadership programs, GBTA fuels our team’s growth and credibility. 
  • Industry influence: We stay part of the conversation. Members can serve on GBTA committees, influence advocacy efforts, and contribute to shaping travel policy and standards. 

These GBTA benefits give us a sharper lens on the hurdles global mobility programs face and the tools to anticipate what’s next. It positions our team as informed partners who understand the pressures of complex travel and bring practical support where it counts.

Connect with Us!

The pressures of mobility and complex travel aren’t going away anytime soon, but events like the GBTA 2025 Mobility Summit remind us there’s strength in sharing ideas, tackling challenges together, and finding smarter ways ahead. 

At DelSuites, we take that same approach with every client: listening first, then providing furnished accommodations that actually fit the way teams travel and work. Whether it’s a relocation or an extended stay, we’re here to make transitions easier and support the people behind every program.

We’re looking forward to connecting with colleagues, learning what’s next for mobility, and bringing a renewed perspective back home to Toronto.

Want to continue the conversation? Connect with us—we’d love to hear from you.

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Living Like a Local: Exploring Toronto From Your Furnished Apartment

October 15, 2025
explore toronto like a local

Stepping into Toronto for the first time can feel both exciting and inviting. The city greets you with its mix of historic streets and modern skylines, neighbourhood cafés buzzing with morning chatter, and markets overflowing with fresh produce. 

However, beyond the well-known landmarks, the little things about everyday life are what make Toronto memorable. It’s the corner bakery you pass on your walk, the quiet park where neighbours gather, and the familiar streetcar rattling by on a weekday morning.

Living like a local in Toronto means weaving these small moments into your routine. The best way to start doing so? Have the reliability of a place that feels like home. A furnished DelSuites apartment can make all the difference. With locations across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), guests can step into a fully equipped space, then walk outside and feel immediately connected to the rhythm of Toronto life.

Each DelSuites property is surrounded by conveniences and neighbourhood favourites that shape everyday living. 

In this post, you’ll learn how our properties can give you access to the same comforts and choices locals enjoy every day.

Grocery Shopping Like a Local 

Food shopping sets the tone for how you settle in. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast before meetings or planning a relaxed weekend dinner, knowing the right stores nearby makes life simpler.

Downtown Toronto

Guests in the core have one of the city’s best-known food destinations at their doorstep: St. Lawrence Market. Packed with butchers, cheesemongers, fish counters, and produce stalls, it’s a place to shop that’s also a part of the city’s culture. 

Locals also stop by for a loaf of bread from Carousel Bakery or smoked salmon from Mike’s Fish Market, and the variety of international flavours makes every visit different.

Etobicoke/Toronto West

Neighbourhood grocery shopping is personal here. Lakeshore Village Fruit offers fresh produce with a family-run feel, while BlossomPure Organic connects shoppers to local farmers, with both pickup and delivery options available.

Markham

Known for its diverse food scene, Markham residents often turn to Fortinos, a Canadian favourite with its European-style market layout. With its artisan cheeses and freshly baked breads, it’s a step up from a standard chain store.

Mid-Town Toronto

Locals know Fiesta Farms as their go-to independent grocer. It’s stocked with organic produce, specialty international goods, and seasonal finds that keep weekday meals interesting.

Mississauga

Highland Farms, part of a family-run chain, has long been trusted by residents for fresh produce and specialty items. The wide selection is perfect for anyone planning both everyday meals and gatherings.

North York

Here, McEwan Fine Foods blends grocery shopping with gourmet dining. Prepared foods, an expansive deli, and high-quality ingredients make it popular for busy professionals who want convenience without sacrificing taste.

Scarborough

Scarborough’s multicultural mix is shown in its shopping. Coppa’s Fresh Market combines everyday essentials with carefully selected local and international goods, making it a reliable and community-rooted choice.

Getting Around Toronto

Toronto is a city where movement is part of daily life. Headed to a meeting downtown? Visiting family across the GTA? Exploring a nearby park? Transportation options are always plentiful and reliable.

Staying in a DelSuites apartment means you’re always within reach of routes locals trust every day. Here are ways to get around: 

  • Subway: Four lines connect major neighbourhoods, with Line 1 (Yonge–University) being especially useful for guests staying near DelSuites in North York, Midtown, or Downtown. Trains run frequently, and stations are well-marked and easy to navigate.
  • Streetcars: Part of the light-rail transit system, these run through main corridors like King Street, Spadina, and Queen Street.
  • Buses: Buses reach every corner of the GTA. Guests staying further west in Etobicoke or east in Scarborough will find them essential for connecting to subway or streetcar lines.
  • PRESTO Card: A single card gives access to all modes of TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) service, plus GO Transit trains and buses for longer trips across the GTA. You can also simply use a debit or credit card for even more convenience and still enjoy the perk of free unlimited transfers within the 2-hour window.
  • Bike Share Toronto: With docking stations across the city, biking is a healthy and flexible way to explore neighbourhoods. The Midtown and Downtown areas have the most coverage.
  • Ride-Share and Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available and useful for late-night trips or areas less connected by transit.

Coffee Culture: Where Locals Refuel 

Toronto takes its coffee seriously. 

Beyond the familiar Tim Hortons or Starbucks, the city has cultivated a thriving independent café scene that reflects its diversity, creativity, and local rhythm. 

Balzac’s Coffee Roasters has grown into a Toronto institution by blending historic architecture with carefully brewed coffee. The downtown locations are often set in character-filled buildings, giving every visit a sense of place. 

Pilot Coffee Roasters brings a modern edge to the city’s coffee landscape. Known for its sourcing and roasting, Pilot appeals to guests who appreciate detail in their cup. Several of its cafés are close to DelSuites locations in Midtown and Downtown.

For a creative take, De Mello Coffee is worth noting. With its sleek interior and unique menu (including its blueberry latte, which has become a favourite), it blends artistry with comfort. 

On the west side, Birds and Beans in Etobicoke offers an intimate atmosphere with an emphasis on sustainable coffee. It’s the type of café where locals know the staff by name, and it has become a gathering spot for those who prefer to stay close to the waterfront.

Meanwhile, in Markham, Hatch Coffee Roasters specializes in rare beans and global roasting styles. For guests eager to try something distinctive, Hatch feels less like a café and more like a curated tasting room.

Dining and Hidden Gems Near DelSuites

Evenings and weekends in Toronto are shaped by food and neighbourhood experiences too. Each area surrounding DelSuites properties offers a mix of celebrated restaurants and places locals quietly treasure. 

Kensington Market (Downtown Toronto)

This market is as much about atmosphere as it is about food.

Known for its murals, vintage shops, and eclectic restaurants, Kensington Market embodies Toronto’s multicultural dining scene. Guests can wander around to get tacos at Seven Lives or empanadas at El Gordo Fine Foods, all within a few steps. 

James Gardens (Etobicoke)

West Toronto residents often retreat to James Gardens for its trails, rock gardens, and ponds. A short drive from DelSuites properties in Etobicoke, it’s a welcome break from the city’s fast pace. It’s a favourite setting for picnics, quiet walks, and photography.

Montgomery’s Inn (Etobicoke)

This historic site doubles as a living-history museum and a weekly farmers’ market. Guests staying in Etobicoke often stop by to experience a glimpse of 19th-century Toronto while browsing for fresh produce or local baked goods.

Toogood Pond Park (Markham)

For guests in Markham, Toogood Pond Park offers walking trails, birdwatching, and an escape into nature. It’s popular with families and professionals alike, and it provides balance after a busy day.

Guild Park and Gardens (Scarborough)

Nestled on the Scarborough Bluffs, Guild Park features architectural fragments from demolished Toronto buildings, set among gardens and open spaces. For DelSuites guests in Scarborough, it’s a rare blend of history, art, and nature.

Scarborough Bluffs (Scarborough)

Stretching along Lake Ontario, the Bluffs remain one of the city’s most stunning natural features. Locals visit for hiking, photography, or a peaceful day by the water. It’s an experience that feels far removed from urban life yet is minutes away from home.

Local Lifestyle and Everyday Stops

Living like a Torontonian isn’t only about the food or the sights—it’s about the everyday stops that shape community life. DelSuites guests often find that the amenities around them reflect the routines of locals who call these neighbourhoods home.

Most neighbourhoods have accessible gyms, yoga studios, and community centres. Guests in Midtown often enjoy a morning run through Eglinton Park, while those in Mississauga can take advantage of the lakeside trails near Port Credit. These spaces put wellness and activity right at your doorstep.

Libraries and cultural centres also play an important role in the city. The Toronto Public Library system is one of the busiest in North America, with branches in nearly every district. North York Central Library, for example, is a hub for study, events, and quiet reading. In Markham, the Varley Art Gallery offers a cultural escape right in the community.

Every day convenience matters, too. Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart are reliable stops across the GTA, while neighbourhood health food stores and bakeries provide a more personal touch. 

Living Like a Local with DelSuites

Toronto is a city of contrasts: modern towers beside historic markets, quiet parks a short walk from busy avenues, and international dining around every corner. Living like a local means experiencing those contrasts and moving between the convenience of big-name services and the warmth of small community gems.

DelSuites offers a starting point for that lifestyle. Each furnished apartment places you in a vibrant neighbourhood surrounded by the same grocery stores, cafés, parks, and cultural venues that residents enjoy daily.