Business events, sports competitions, and festivals are driving a surge in tourism numbers in Montreal this summer. Data from the May to July period, collected by Tourisme Montréal, indicates that the city is on track to achieve a record-breaking season.
Yves Lalumière, the CEO of Tourisme Montréal, attributes the increased tourism to the wide array of activities and events that attract visitors to Montreal during the summer months. He describes Montreal as the playground of Canada, highlighting the city’s appeal for leisure and entertainment.
Notable successes this season include the city’s international jazz festival and the Osheaga music festival, both of which saw record attendance numbers. Additionally, conferences have thrived, with over 50,000 attendees welcomed in June and July.
Tourists were seen exploring the cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal, taking photos, and shopping for souvenirs. Travel from the United States and Canada saw a significant increase compared to the same period last year, while the number of international travelers also rose.
Hotel occupancy reached 82 percent during this period, marking a seven percent increase from the previous year. Lalumière expressed satisfaction with the tourism numbers, emphasizing the resilience of the industry amidst global crises.
Local businesses, such as souvenir shops in Old Montreal, have experienced a bustling season. Sana Srivastava, a shop owner, mentioned the influx of visitors to Canada this summer and expressed gratitude for the positive impact on her business.
Sporting events, including the World Cup, have attracted tourists to Montreal, showcasing the city’s appeal as a destination for international events. Lalumière believes that not hosting the World Cup was a wise decision, as it would have overshadowed other local events.
Looking ahead, Lalumière anticipates the tourism momentum to continue into August and September with upcoming events like the National Bank Open tennis tournament and the Lasso country music festival.