MONTREAL, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- To mark World Tourism Day on September 27, Tourisme Montréal is launching a new initiative designed to strengthen the connection between tourism and Montrealers. From October 2 to November 1, residents will be invited to take part in a series of free guided tours offering a fresh perspective on the city's neighbourhoods and attractions.
Beyond encouraging residents to discover Montréal, this initiative is part of Tourisme Montréal's broader reflections about local tourism and the place of residents within the tourism experience.
"Tourism is about more than welcoming visitors from outside the city. A tourism destination is first and foremost a city where people live, work and create. We want to bring Montrealers closer to tourism and help them better understand the benefits it generates for the community as a whole. By giving residents an opportunity to rediscover their own city, we also hope to strengthen their pride and sense of belonging," said Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
Montréal, a city to experience, not just visit
Through this initiative, Tourisme Montréal aims to promote a vision of tourism that also benefits residents. The relationship between tourism and local life is not new. Throughout its history, Montréal has benefited from investments and infrastructure associated with its development as an international destination. From Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympic Games to the development of the metro and major festivals and events, tourism has helped shape the city's identity and international profile.
For Tourisme Montréal, raising awareness of these benefits and creating opportunities for residents to experience their city differently are part of an approach that seeks to make tourism more compatible with local life. This commitment is supported by the findings of a resident sentiment study commissioned by Tourisme Montréal, which show strong support for tourism among Montrealers. More than eight in ten Montrealers, or 82%, are proud to welcome tourists to their city. The tourism aversion index is also very low, at just 4%, well below the threshold associated with destinations experiencing tourism-related tensions.
An initiative designed for residents
Operated by Guidatour, the first edition will feature nearly 60 guided tours offered in French and English on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Participants will be able to explore Little Italy and Jean-Talon Market, discover the stories of Old Montréal, tour the Mile End, and admire murals in the Plateau and downtown. An accessible tour will also be available for participants with accessibility needs.
Registration and participation
Registration opens today through a dedicated article on the mtl.org website, which will redirect participants to Guidatour's booking platform.
Practical information
- Dates: October 2 to November 1
- Length: Approximately two hours per tout
- Capacity: 20 participants per tour; 12 participants for the accessible Inclusive Montréal tour
- Cost: A $10 deposit is required at registration to confirm the booking. It will be refunded to participants who attend the tour.
- Eligibility: Priority will be given to residents of the island of Montréal and, subject to availability, people living in immediately surrounding areas.
- Reservations: Advance booking is required through the dedicated article on mtl.org. Registrations, confirmations and refunds will be managed by Guidatour through its booking platform.
À propos de Tourisme Montréal
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, Porte-parole et conseillère principale RP, Tourisme Montréal, 514 918-5290, [email protected]
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