The Quebec government has committed $2 million over the next five years to establish a cutting-edge multiservice tourist center in downtown Montreal. The initiative, spearheaded by Quebec ministers Amélie Dionne and Chantal Rouleau, in collaboration with Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, aims to revolutionize and streamline visitor services in the city and the province.
This significant funding will empower Tourisme Montréal to progress with the establishment of a year-round hub that offers comprehensive information services, tailored assistance, and innovative digital tools to elevate the overall visitor experience.
“This investment from the Ministère du Tourisme is fantastic news for Montreal. We commend the government’s dedication to enhancing Quebec’s global reputation,” stated Vana Nazarian, Associate Councillor for Attractiveness and Economic Development at the City of Montreal.
Scheduled to open its doors in 2027, this state-of-the-art center will consolidate various reception and support services under one roof. The primary objective is not only to simplify tourists’ exploration of Montreal but also to entice them to venture into other regions of Quebec, thereby amplifying economic benefits across the board.
Tourist reception and information centers are pivotal components of Quebec’s tourism infrastructure, with nearly one in five visitors from the province’s key markets making a stop at one of these centers, as per the Ministry of Tourism. Officials highlight that each information query fulfilled could potentially translate into up to $300 in additional expenditure.
Yves Lalumière remarked, “This new multiservice center signifies a significant stride towards welcoming visitors to Montreal. By amalgamating personalized services and digital resources in a contemporary, year-round setting, we are fortifying Montreal’s position as Canada’s primary tourist hub. This collaborative project with the Ministry of Tourism will tangibly enhance visitors’ experiences, maximize economic gains, and promote a deeper exploration of Montreal and its surrounding regions.”
In the fiscal year 2023–24, approximately 420,000 information services were dispensed across Quebec’s network of tourist reception centers. The government underscores that international tourism stands as the province’s fourth-largest export sector, contributing $4.4 billion in spending in 2024.
Chantal Rouleau, the minister responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action, and the Montreal region, emphasized, “Montreal serves as the key entry point to Quebec for tourists, and the journey commences with the welcome. Through this new multiservice center, we are establishing a dynamic, innovative, and year-round space that streamlines visitors’ experiences while fostering greater benefits for the city and our regions.”
Aligned with the Ministry of Tourism’s 2023–2027 strategic plan, the new Montreal center forms part of the Bonjour Accueil 2023–2026 Action Plan, striving to offer a more accessible, inviting, and contemporary experience for travelers.
Amélie Dionne, the minister of tourism, expressed, “This partnership between the Ministry and Tourisme Montréal will showcase all regions of Quebec exceptionally well in a city like Montreal, our primary tourist gateway. I laud this collaboration, which will not only benefit the Quebec economy and our respective organizations but ultimately our visitors, who will discover everything they desire in one central location.”
