Tourisme Montréal announced on Wednesday that it expects 12.5 million visitors to the city in 2026, a figure that would surpass the previous high of more than 11 million recorded in 2019, the last year before the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted travel.
The agency’s projection comes as the city continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact on tourism. In 2019, Montreal welcomed just over 11 million travelers, a benchmark that had stood for several years. The new forecast suggests a rebound that not only recovers lost ground but also pushes the sector to an unprecedented level.
Officials did not provide a detailed breakdown of the expected visitor mix, but the overall increase reflects broader trends of rising demand for cultural, culinary and festival experiences that Montreal is known for. The agency’s outlook is based on current bookings, market analysis and the performance of key attractions that have reported steady growth in recent months.
If the forecast materializes, the influx of 12.5 million tourists could have a measurable effect on local businesses, hospitality providers and employment, although the agency stopped short of attaching specific economic estimates to the numbers. The projection underscores the city’s ambition to position itself as a leading North American destination in the post‑pandemic era.
Tourisme Montréal will continue to monitor travel patterns and adjust its strategies as the year unfolds, aiming to sustain the momentum that could set a new benchmark for the city’s tourism industry.
The agency attributes the upward trend to a combination of factors, including the city’s reputation for festivals, its culinary scene and the growing appeal of its historic neighborhoods. Continued investment in infrastructure and promotional campaigns is expected to support the projected visitor levels throughout the year.