Montreal’s tourism industry is experiencing a surge this summer, fueled by a range of business events, sports competitions, and festivals. Tourisme Montréal, a non-profit organization, has reported record-breaking numbers for the period from May to July.
Yves Lalumière, the CEO of Tourisme Montréal, attributes this success to the diverse array of activities and events that attract visitors to Montreal during the summer months. He describes Montreal as the “playground of Canada,” emphasizing the city’s appeal for leisure and enjoyment.
Notable events contributing to the tourism boom include the city’s international jazz festival and the Osheaga music festival, both of which saw record attendance. Additionally, conferences have been thriving, with over 50,000 attendees in June and July alone.
Tourists can be seen exploring the charming streets of Old Montreal, with many visitors snapping photos and purchasing souvenirs. Travel from the United States has increased by seven percent, while travel from within Canada has risen by five percent compared to the same period last year. International arrivals have also seen a nearly five percent uptick.
Hotel occupancy rates have reached 82 percent, marking a seven percent increase from the previous year. Despite global crises, Lalumière remains optimistic about Montreal’s tourism resilience.
Sana Srivastava, who runs a souvenir shop in Old Montreal, notes the bustling activity this season, attributing it to an increased interest in visiting Canada. Sporting events like the World Cup have drawn tourists to the city, with fans showing support for their teams despite Montreal not being a host city.
Looking ahead, Lalumière anticipates that Montreal’s tourism momentum will continue through August and September, fueled by upcoming events like the National Bank Open tennis tournament and the Lasso country music festival.