Montreal’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant boost this summer, fueled by a variety of business events, sports competitions, and festivals. According to data collected by Tourisme Montréal from May to July, the city is on track to achieve a record-breaking season.
Yves Lalumière, CEO of Tourisme Montréal, attributes the surge in tourism to the diverse range of activities and events that attract visitors to Montreal during the summer months. Lalumière describes Montreal as the playground of Canada, emphasizing that people come to the city for entertainment and enjoyment.
Major events such as the international jazz festival and the Osheaga music festival have seen record attendance numbers, while conferences have also thrived, with over 50,000 attendees in June and July. Tourists can be seen exploring the cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal, snapping photos, and purchasing souvenirs against the backdrop of historic landmarks.
Visitor numbers have seen a notable increase, with a seven percent rise in travel from the United States and a five percent increase from within Canada compared to the previous year. International travelers have also shown a nearly five percent uptick in numbers.
Hotel occupancy rates have reached 82 percent during this period, marking a seven percent rise from the previous year. Lalumière expressed satisfaction with the positive trend, highlighting the resilience of the tourism industry in Montreal and Canada amidst global challenges.
Local businesses, such as souvenir shops in Old Montreal, have experienced a surge in customers this season. Sana Srivastava, a shop owner, noted the increased interest in visiting Canada, attributing it to the vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions that draw tourists from around the world.
Despite not being a host city for the World Cup, Montreal has still attracted sports enthusiasts, adding to the city’s bustling summer scene. Lalumière believes that not hosting the World Cup was a strategic decision, as it prevented potential disruptions to other events in the city.
Looking ahead, Lalumière anticipates the positive momentum to continue into August and September, driven by upcoming events like the National Bank Open tennis tournament and the Lasso country music festival.
