Montreal sees slump in tourism numbers

Tourisme Montreal has revealed that occupancy levels at Montreal area hotels are down as compared to last year’s levels, quoting figures from the Association of Hotels of the Greater Montreal.

Occupancy levels are said to be down almost three percent, representing some 366,362 room nights for July of 2009, compared to some 376,603 a year earlier. The levels represent an occupancy rate of 67 percent this year, over 72 percent a year ago. For the first seven months of 2009 occupancy levels for Montreal-area hotels was 58 percent, down from 63 percent last year.

The Montreal tourism sector was badly hit with the cancellation this year of a Montreal stop from the Formula 1 calendar, an important event that drew large numbers of international travelers. News emerged in recent days of the potential revival of the race for the upcoming season, although no official confirmation has been made.

The average price paid for a hotel room was also down slightly, slumping to 130 from 135 last year. While tourism is generally on the rise, because of the recent economic slump, players in the tourism industry have been hit hard – be it flagging airlines, hotels or related industries.

Figures represent occupancy levels of the members of the Association of Hotels of Greater Montreal.