Tourisme Montréal says the city welcomed 11.8 million visitors in 2025, a 7.3 per cent increase from the previous year, as travel rebounded in the second half of what the organization described as a turbulent year.
In a year-end report released Tuesday, Tourisme Montréal said a spring marked by uncertainty gave way to a steady recovery, underscoring what it called the city’s resilience and ability to adapt in an unpredictable global environment.
The agency said tourism spending remained stable at $5.8 billion, comparable to 2024, reinforcing the sector’s role in Montréal’s economy.
Growth driven by domestic market
Domestic travel led the gains in 2025, with the Canadian market rising 10 per cent. Growth was particularly strong in the Atlantic region, where visits increased 17 per cent.
Travel from the United States fell sharply mid-year, declining 12 per cent in July, before narrowing to a five per cent decrease by year’s end. Overseas markets posted overall growth of two per cent.
France recorded more than 470,000 visitors, up two per cent from 2024 and a new high, according to the report.
Tourisme Montréal said travel planning patterns shifted during the year. Visitors booked trips about 50 days in advance, compared with roughly 90 days in previous years, reflecting what the organization described as ongoing economic and geopolitical volatility.
Spending and hotels
Tourism expenditures totalled $5.8 billion in 2025, unchanged from the prior year. Visitors continued to direct most of their spending toward food and accommodation, which together accounted for nearly 75 per cent of total tourism revenue.
The hotel sector strengthened as the year progressed. After a slower start, occupancy improved steadily, with the fourth quarter offsetting earlier softness and bringing annual results in line with 2024.
More than 90 days during the year recorded occupancy rates above 80 per cent, a seven per cent increase over 2024. The gains came despite a four per cent rise in hotel capacity, which expanded Montréal’s room inventory.
Digital traffic increases
Tourisme Montréal said its website, mtl.org, recorded 11.8 million visits in 2025, up 14.5 per cent from the previous year.
The organization said the increase reflected sustained interest in the destination and the impact of its marketing initiatives, positioning the site as a central planning platform for prospective visitors.
Major events ahead in 2026
Looking ahead, Tourisme Montréal pointed to several large-scale events expected to shape 2026:
- The UCI Road World Championships, scheduled for more than 10 days of competition from Sept. 20 to 27. The organization said it will be Montréal’s largest international sporting event since the 1976 Summer Olympics.
- The Formula 1 Grand Prix, which has been moved to May this year with the aim of restoring attendance levels typically seen in June.
- The city’s summer festival season, which the organization said will feature an expanded lineup of events.
Tourisme Montréal, a private, non-profit organization marking its 100th year, represents more than 1,000 businesses and groups involved directly or indirectly in the tourism sector. The agency works to promote Montréal as a leisure and business destination and advises on tourism-related economic, urban and cultural development.
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