Tourisme Montréal reports that its summer season surpassed it pre-pandemic performance in 2019, with an increase of 15% in international visitations. Among the positive trends was an average hotel occupancy rate of 80% and overall revenues higher than those of 2022. Business conferences were also on the upswing with major events experiencing an in-person participation rate of 72%, 2% more than last year.
“The industry has provided an exceptional tourism experience, attracting significant numbers of domestic and international visitors to express their interest in our diverse and dynamic destination,” stated Tourisme Montréal President and CEO Yves Lalumière, adding, “Tourisme Montréal has contributed to this rich experience by carrying out a series of significant actions which consolidate our position as a leader in sustainable tourism development.”
Tourisme Montréal says its promotional efforts are bearing fruit: more potential visitors visited the organization’s website, increasing the number of users from 6 million in 2022 to 8 million this year.
Moreover, for a seventh consecutive year, Montréal ranks first among North American destinations for hosting international association events according to the International Congress and Convention Association rankings. Montréal was also able to maintain and consolidate its leading position on the continent in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, a world benchmark in sustainable tourism, despite the addition of 40 new destinations to the contest.
Positive outlook
Tourisme Montréal reports several major congresses are confirmed for next year, including the International Skating Union, which expects some 7,000 delegates in March, while August will see the Canadian Elite Basketball League attract approximately 10,000 participants. In September, some 5,000 golfers and sports fans will arrive in the city to attend the Presidents Cup.
The tourism agency also expects that bleisure travel will continue to grow with Lalumière stating, “This trend is aligned with our Sustainable Destination Policy. We encourage slow tourism, a concept that promotes the sustainability of our industry.”