Thursday, January 18, 2024
In 2023, Montréal experienced another year of robust growth in business tourism, building on the positive trends observed in 2022.
The Palais des congrès de Montréal successfully hosted 288 events, contributing to a total of 475 business events held throughout the city. Tourisme Montréal supported 224 association conferences, attracting over 870,000 visitors and delegates from both Canada and international destinations. This influx generated significant economic benefits, amounting to approximately $425 million for Montréal and Québec.
Notable among the gatherings were thirty major conferences, such as the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Annual Congress (5,300 delegates), the International Council of Nurses Global Congress (4,900 delegates), and the InCyber Forum (2,500 delegates). Montréal retained its top-ranking position for hosting international association events in North America, as recognized by the Union of International Associations (UIA) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
The Palais, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, remained the preferred choice for business tourism and event hosting, attracting visitors worldwide and contributing to the city’s promotional efforts.
The successful collaboration between Tourisme Montréal and the Palais played a pivotal role in achieving this prosperity. In 2023, Tourisme Montréal prioritized sustainability, offering training on sustainable event planning and emphasizing local products in line with its Sustainable Purchasing Policy. The organization, alongside the Palais, contributed to a study on the social impact of business events in Canada.
Furthermore, the Palais expanded its green roof to an impressive 35,000 sq. ft (3,250 m2), contributing to Montréal’s status as the world capital for urban agriculture in 2023. New installations at the Palais, including the Tourism Innovation Showcase and two innovative meeting spaces in collaboration with the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec, enriched the overall visitor experience.
Looking ahead to 2024, Tourisme Montréal anticipates continued prosperity, with 210,000 confirmed overnight stays generating $172 million in economic spinoffs. The Palais des congrès has 170 events scheduled, featuring prestigious summits like the International Symposium on Mathematical Programming, the 119th American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, and One Young World.
Reflecting on 2023, the industry’s flourishing state, and the commitment of partners and the dedicated team, the Palais aims to further develop sustainable and cultural experiences in 2024. The positive momentum is evident as numerous conferences have already booked venues in Montréal for 2025 and 2026, highlighting the city’s growing appeal as a dynamic, creative, and innovative destination for global business events.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
