Tourisme Montréal announced that it expects 12.5 million visitors to come to the city in 2026. The forecast surpasses the previous high of more than 11 million visitors recorded in 2019, setting a new benchmark for annual tourism in Montreal.
The municipal agency said the projection reflects a sharp rise in tourism numbers over recent years. The organization’s outlook highlights a continued upward trend that pushes the city beyond the 2019 record, which had stood as the highest visitation figure before the new forecast.
Comparing the two figures, the 2026 expectation represents an increase of at least 1.5 million visitors over the 2019 total. That growth margin underscores the scale of the anticipated influx and marks the largest expected annual count since records began.
Tourisme Montréal, responsible for promoting the city’s attractions and supporting the hospitality sector, released the estimate as part of its annual tourism outlook. The agency’s role includes monitoring visitor flows and providing data to businesses and policymakers.
If the projection holds true, the 12.5 million visitors would constitute the highest recorded number of tourists for any single year in Montreal’s history. The milestone would confirm the city’s status as a major destination for both domestic and international travelers.
The organization emphasized that the figure is a forecast for the calendar year 2026 and not a final count. The expectation will be tracked throughout the year as actual visitation data become available, allowing Tourisme Montréal to assess whether the city meets or exceeds the projected target.