Montreal is poised for a remarkable resurgence in tourism, with projections indicating that the city will attract an impressive 12.5 million visitors by 2026. This anticipated influx is expected to surpass the previous high of over 11 million recorded in 2019. Recent data reveals a significant uptick in hotel reservations, which surged by 14 per cent in July compared to the same month last year, resulting in an occupancy rate of 86 per cent.
Rising Visitor Numbers
According to Tourisme Montréal, the city’s tourism board, visitors are streaming in from across the globe. Between May and July, there was a notable seven per cent increase in arrivals from the United States relative to the same period last year. Additionally, the number of international guests and those from other regions of Canada both rose by five per cent.
Yves Lalumière, president of Tourisme Montréal, expressed optimism about these figures, stating, “We’re very happy with the Americans and Europeans, with increases of five to ten per cent depending on the market. The interest and appetite for our city are doing extremely well, as reflected in Google searches.”
Attractions and Visitor Experience
Many tourists are eager to explore as much of the city as possible during their stay. Lorrie Smith, a visitor from Toronto, shared her family’s itinerary, saying, “We just wanted to come and hang out and do all the stuff. We’re going on a bus tour, and we’re going to do all the hop-on, hop-off things, and we’re going to check out the science centre.”
The enthusiasm for Montreal’s cultural and recreational offerings resonates with visitors. Francine Swierczynski, visiting from France, remarked on the city’s warmth and hospitality, saying, “You are really warm,” reflecting the welcoming atmosphere that Montreal provides to its guests.
Business Tourism on the Rise
In addition to leisure travel, business tourism is also experiencing significant growth. July witnessed a surge in business visitors, with 35,000 arrivals compared to just 19,300 in the same month last year. This increase is a boon not only for the hospitality sector but also for local businesses, including souvenir shops that report a thriving customer base.
Arjun Srivastava, from Bastix Souvenirs in Old Montreal, noted the positive shift, stating, “Good stuff, we’re selling a lot, we’re doing really well, and it’s finally good to be busy.” The uptick in visitor numbers is a welcome development for the local economy.
A Bright Future for Montreal’s Tourism
Tourisme Montréal remains optimistic that the upward trend in tourism will continue into 2026 and beyond. With the city’s vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and ever-increasing visitor numbers, the prospects for Montreal’s tourism sector appear bright.
Why it Matters
The anticipated growth in Montreal’s tourism not only signifies a recovery from the pandemic’s impact but also underscores the city’s global appeal. The rise in visitor numbers promises to bolster the local economy, support jobs, and enhance the overall vibrancy of Montreal. As the city gears up to accommodate this influx, the potential for increased cultural exchange and economic benefit becomes a pivotal aspect of its future development strategy.