2026 Global Destination Sustainability Index: Tourisme Montréal ranks No. 1 worldwide in destination management as Montréal enters the global Top 10

MONTREAL, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- Tourisme Montréal has ranked No. 1 worldwide in destination management in the 2026 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), achieving a record score of 98%, an unprecedented performance on the international stage. This result helped propel Montréal from 20th to 9th rank worldwide among 81 participating destinations, bringing the city into the global Top 10 of the world's most sustainable destinations. This is the first time in the history of the GDS-Index that a city outside Europe has ranked first in this category.

"Achieving the world's top ranking in destination management is particularly meaningful for Tourisme Montréal, while Montréal's entry into the global Top 10 is a tremendous recognition for our city. This achievement reflects the work of our teams, our members and all of the stakeholders who contribute to the development of our destination. Our approach is grounded in a long-term vision, collaboration and a commitment to turning our ambitions into concrete action and generating positive impacts for residents, businesses and visitors," said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.

Supporting our industry in turning ambition into action

Tourisme Montréal has strengthened its support for tourism businesses through GreenStep programs, training and financial assistance. Over the past two years, 17 organizations have obtained a certification recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). More than 400 stakeholders have taken part in awareness-building, support and training initiatives focused on the destination's socio-ecological transition.

A destination development vision that goes beyond the environment

For Tourisme Montréal, more sustainable destination management goes beyond environmental considerations. It also means maximizing the positive impacts of tourism for residents, communities and the local economy.

This approach includes the annual measurement of residents' perceptions of tourism, social impact projects associated with conventions and events, collaborations with Tourisme Autochtone Québec and Kéroul, as well as the recovery of more than 200,000 food portions through the tourism industry's commitment to reducing food waste in partnership with La Tablée des Chefs.

The GDS-Index is a benchmarking tool that enables participating destinations to track their progress and identify areas where further efforts are needed. The assessment is based on 74 criteria across four key categories: environmental performance, social performance, supplier performance and destination management.

About Tourisme Montréal

Tourisme Montréal is a private non-profit organization that has been promoting the city as an international destination for more than 100 years across leisure and business tourism markets. In this role, the organization leads the deployment of innovative visitor experience strategies with a dual objective: delivering high-quality experiences and maximizing tourism's economic benefits in a way that is balanced and mindful of long-term impacts on the city. Bringing together more than 1,000 members working directly or indirectly in the tourism industry, Tourisme Montréal plays a leading role in managing and developing Montréal's tourism offering and contributes to discussions on the city's economic, urban and cultural development. For more information, visit www.mtl.org.

SOURCE Tourisme Montréal

Aurélie de Blois, Spokesperson and senior public relations advisor, Tourisme Montréal, 514 918-5290 / [e-mail]