Montreal’s Travel Industry in 2025: A Renaissance of Culture, Connectivity, and Sustainability

Montreal’s travel industry is experiencing a vibrant resurgence in 2025, fueled by strategic innovation, global interest, and a renewed commitment to sustainable tourism. As one of North America’s most culturally rich cities, Montreal continues to captivate travelers with its blend of European charm and modern flair.

1. Growth & Recovery Post-Pandemic

• Visitor Surge: Montreal welcomed over 11 million tourists in 2023, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, that number rose by 7%, with continued growth projected for 2025.
• Spending Power: Tourists spent $4.7 billion in 2023, a 26% increase from the previous year.
• Hotel Expansion: The city now boasts 23,000 hotel rooms, with occupancy rates holding steady at 71.2%.

2. Who’s Visiting?

• Domestic Travelers: Canadians remain the largest group, especially from Québec and Ontario.
• International Visitors: The U.S. saw an 11% increase, while tourism from France, Japan, and South Korea surged thanks to new flight routes.
• Emerging Markets: Visitors from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia grew by 19%, reflecting Montreal’s appeal to French-speaking countries.

3. Cultural Magnetism

Montreal’s festivals and events are a major draw:

• International Jazz Festival
• Just for Laughs Comedy Festival
• Osheaga Music & Arts Festival
• Winter Carnival & Igloofest

These events not only attract tourists but also reinforce Montreal’s reputation as a year-round destination.

4. Sustainability & Innovation

Montreal ranks among the Top 3 sustainable destinations in North America, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Key initiatives include:

• Eco-friendly accommodations
• Carbon offset programs
• Promotion of “slow tourism”—encouraging longer, more immersive stays

Tourisme Montréal’s strategic plan emphasizes green mobility, local partnerships, and off-season travel to reduce environmental impact.

5. Business & Bleisure Travel

Montreal is a top host for international conventions, with major events like the Presidents Cup and International Skating Union drawing thousands. The rise of bleisure travel—mixing business with leisure—is boosting hotel stays and local experiences.

6. Challenges Ahead

Despite its success, the industry faces hurdles:

• Labor shortages in hospitality
• Inflationary pressures affecting travel costs
• Climate change impacting seasonal tourism
• Cybersecurity risks as digital bookings rise

Tourisme Montréal is addressing these through workforce development, tech investments, and resilient infrastructure planning.

Looking Forward

With high visitor satisfaction (93% in recent surveys) and nearly 90% of tourists planning to return, Montreal’s travel industry is poised for continued growth. Its blend of culture, cuisine, and community makes it not just a destination—but an experience.