From left to right: IFALPA Managing Director, Christoph Schewe, IFALPA President, Cpt. Ron Abel, Yves Lalumiere, President & CEO Tourisme Montreal, IFALPA Board Members: Cpt. Ben Mansumitchai, Cpt. Rod Lypchuk (CNW Group/Tourisme Montreal).
International tourism is up with a 6.8% increase in overseas travellers entering Quebec’s borders in May and June compared with the same months last year.
MONTREAL – According to the most recent data compiled by Tourisme Montreal, economic indicators for the city's tourism industry continued to climb during the 2018 summer season. Montreal's economy and tourism industry are still thriving following last year's anniversary celebrations.
Montreal-Trudeau Airport reported high foreign passenger traffic in June and July, with an 8.8% increase in passengers from the U.S. and a 10.7% increase in overseas passengers. Total volumes have increased since the beginning of the year and to date Montreal has welcomed more than 11 million passengers, marking a 6.9% year-over-year gain.
International tourism is up with a 6.8% increase in overseas travellers entering Quebec's borders in May and June compared with the same months last year. Since the beginning of the year, the number of overseas visitors has improved 7.2% over 2017. All of Montreal's top markets performed well, with French-speaking Europe growing 10.8% in May and June compared with the same periods last year, and Germany gaining 17.4%. Following the addition of several direct air connections to Asia, Tourisme Montreal noted substantial growth in tourists from this market, with 20.8% more Chinese visitors and 139.2% more Japanese visitors in May and June.
"Montreal is seeing increasingly higher numbers of tourists from emerging markets. Our plan is to step up our efforts to attract visitors from new Asian markets while maintaining current offensives and exploring other segments. The future of tourism is very promising in Montreal and across Quebec, with international growth outpacing expectations," said Yves Lalumiere, President and CEO of Tourisme Montreal.
Montreal's major festivals and events were also more successful in 2018 than last year. Osheaga reported an 18% hike in ticket sales outside Quebec, including an 8% improvement in Ontario. The Festival international de Jazz de Montreal posted a 12% increase in same-day tourists and Francofolies recorded a 34% rise in tourist attendance, including a 14% increase in same-day tourists from outside Quebec. Finally, the Formula One Grand Prix du Canada sold 19% more tickets this year.
According to the latest statistics from the Greater Montreal Hotel Association, the average occupancy rate for the June to August period on the Island of Montreal fell from 88.58% in 2017 to 85.33% in 2018. Over the same period, the average room rate was $212.25, marking a 0.87% year-on-year decline. This is attributable to an increase in the total number of hotel rooms available in the downtown area.
"The tourism industry's strong performance is thanks to various promotional efforts, in addition to the destination's dynamic offer, economic vitality and the visibility gained throughout 2017," concluded Mr. Lalumiere.
Montreal to host three International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) Conferences by 2033
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), representing some 100,000 pilots worldwide, has signed a strategic partnership with Tourisme Montreal, confirming that it will host three IFALPA Conferences – in 2023, 2028 and 2033- in the city. More than 1,500 representatives will converge upon Montreal over the next 15 years, which is excellent news for the leading city for international events in North America.
"We are very proud to have the privilege of hosting this prestigious event on three occasions. We look forward to forging ties with the IFALPA and to offering their attendees unforgettable experiences in our city" says Yves Lalumiere.
With this decision in its 70th anniversary year, IFALPA sets a milestone in its engagement with the civil aviation community of Greater Montreal. IFALPA moved its headquarters from the UK to Montreal about six years ago, to be closer to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and many other key aviation stakeholders.
"While many international organizations think about what legacy to leave with their major events rotating annually around the globe, this agreement allows us to establish a permanent footprint in the city known as the world capital of civil aviation," states IFALPA President Captain Ron Abel.
A highly successful conference hosted in the Federation's hometown in 2017 became the starting point for reflections on how to make the organization of these 5-day events more efficient. Instead of reinventing the wheel every year by exploring new venues, accommodations, suppliers and sponsors, returning quinquennially to Montreal makes it possible to cultivate partnerships. "This is a win-win for everybody," summarizes Christoph Schewe, IFALPA's Managing Director, "We know the location, we save on travel expenses for staff and we can build on established partnerships, which frees up resources. We greatly appreciate the trust that Tourisme Montreal places in the Federation and the fundamental support they offer to us for the road ahead."
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
