TORONTO — Officials say 2011 was a record year for tourism in Toronto.

Tourism Toronto says the number of hotel room nights sold surpassed 9 million for the first time.

And, for the first time since 2006, Toronto saw an increase in overnight visitors from the U.S. last year.

Tourism Toronto president David Whitaker says 2011 also saw growth in the number of visitors from overseas markets such as China, India, and Brazil.

Among the Canadian provinces, Ontario, Quebec and Alberta accounted for the most visitors to Toronto.

Due in part to increased demand, 1,118 new hotel rooms opened in Toronto in 2011, placing Toronto third in growth in North American cities behind New York City and Nashville.