A survey conducted on behalf of the tourism industry shows that 39% of respondents have an unfavorable opinion of short-term rental accommodation such as Airbnb.
The figure is taken from theStudy of the perception of tourism by residents of Montreal, commissioned by Tourisme Montréal. The survey is modeled on the Resident Sentiment Index of the World Tourism Organization.
Its CEO Yves Lalumière spoke to the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal Thursday noon. He took the opportunity to reveal the major findings. He did the same with another study on the strategic role of tourism for economic development, carried out by the Institut du Québec.
Note that this sounding was carried out before the tragic fire of a building in Old Montreal where it was reported that there was illegal tourist accommodation.
Since the tragedy, the provincial government has since tabled Bill 25 which tightens the rules surrounding this type of activity by imposing fines of up to $100,000 on rental platforms in the event of an infraction.
There were 14,000 units offered on Airbnb before the pandemic. We were at 10,000 before the fire in Old Montreal. Today, we are at 5,000. We think that with the adjustments to the law, it will be reduced by another half.
Yéves Lalumière, CEO of Tourisme Montréal, in interview
In response to the reduced supply on Airbnb, Tourisme Montréal would like to see the opening of hotels in central neighborhoods that are practically devoid of them, such as Verdun or the Plateau Mont-Royal. “We are working on that. We want to interest promoters,” he says.
Apart from Airbnb, tourism is popular
The Montreal population is favorable to the growth of tourism. The tourismophobia index is only 3%. This phobia is the local people’s aversion to tourism, as can be seen in manifestations in Barcelona and Venice where signs were seen ordering tourists to return home. “Our score is better than many North American cities,” said the head of Tourisme Montréal. Slightly more than 6 out of 10 Montrealers consider that tourism generates more positive than negative impacts.
Tourism would contribute to the quality of life
The tourism industry creates equipment and events that benefit the local population, which equipment contributes to the quality of life, according to the findings of the study by the Institut du Québec. The quality of life, combined with the good accessibility of the region, makes it possible to attract talent, such as foreign students, explained Mr. Lalumière. This gives the example of major festivals and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. he as an example.
The return of sunny days
Tourisme Montréal expects between 9.5 and 10 million visitors in 2023, or about 90% of pre-pandemic traffic. Among the new attractions is the 65-meter high glass tower of the Port of Montreal. Starting in July, Dorval will offer a daily direct flight to Dubai operated by Emirates. For 18 months, we can fly non-stop to New Delhi. “We expect a 10% increase in passengers on international flights compared to 2019,” rejoices Mr. Lalumière.
Big congresses this year
Three major health sciences congresses will be held this year at the Palais des Congrès, whose expansion project is still blocked by the Legault government. About 8,000 delegates are expected from June 24 to 28 at the ISTH congress, the thrombosis and haemostasis society. This will be followed by the World Congress of the International Council of Nurses on 1er to July 5 (6000 people). Then, in October, the world congress of neurology with nearly 7000 delegates.
Francophones courted
Since the easing of the pandemic, Tourisme Montréal has relied on tourism from French-speaking countries to offset the decline in American visitors. “We have a nice increase in air inventory serving the Francophonie, says Yves Lalumière. We will have 55,000 seats per week: France, Morocco, Tunisia, etc. This summer, Montreal will have the best of both worlds since our southern neighbors will be back: between 2.2 and 2.5 million American visitors are expected.
Suspension of direct flights to China
Started in September 2015, direct flights to China have been suspended since March 2020 due to the pandemic, then the war in Ukraine. “It is certain that as long as we cannot fly over Russian territory, we will not have direct flights to China,” said Mr. Lalumière. Canada welcomed more than 708,000 Chinese tourists in 2019, according to Destination Canada. For 2023, this Crown corporation expects the visit of 270,000 Chinese.