MUMBAI: The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation recently held a private reception to celebrate the selection of Toronto, Ontario being chosen as the host of the 12th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards.

Toronto will be the first North American city to host the 12th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards starting from 16 to 19 June, 2011. In the past the awards have dazzled Amsterdam, Dubai and Sun City, among other beau locales, recently capping its golden decade in Macau.

Members from the Indian Film Industry, Dia Mirza, Boman Irani and Neha Dupia joined the festivities and spoke about their association with IIFA over the last decade and the benefits reaped by the country of hosting each year, in terms of business liaisons, tourism opportunities, identifying of film and trade associations, amongst others.

Wizcraft International Entertainment director Andre Timmins said, “IIFA is pleased to make its North American premiere in Ontario. Known for its cultural, entertainment and metropolitan scene, Toronto is an ideal choice for IIFA 2011.”