The Port of Montreal in Canada welcomed more than 92,000 cruise passengers in the 2015 season that started on 12 May and ran until the end of October, the port said in a statement, adding that the count was 30% higher than last year.
“In all, Montréal recorded 73 cruise ships visits this year, which is 29 more than in 2014. According to preliminary numbers, more than 92,000 passengers and crew members transited through the cruise terminal this season, representing a nearly 30% increase over the 2014 season and a 94% hike since the Montréal Cruise Committee was created in 2011,” the port said, referring to an organisation created to promote the city as a cruise destination.
"Much to the delight of local business owners, a flood of tourists poured through the city's streets this year. Hotels also benefitted from this high-value clientele, as many travellers extended their trips and stayed a few extra nights in Montréal," said Yves Lalumière, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal. "I would like to applaud the excellent work we've seen from the Montréal Cruise Committee, whose main objective is to attract international-calibre cruise lines to Montréal."
Cruise season on the portion of the St. Lawrence River that leads to Montréal is from May to November. The busiest months are September and October, when travellers come to see the fall colours and discover Québec's natural and cultural offerings. According to data collected by the Montréal Cruise Committee, clients are primarily American (72%), Australian (8.5%), Canadian (7.5%) and British (4.5%).
“The 2016 cruise season also promises to be excellent, with confirmations indicating that next year could be just as strong as this year,” the port concluded.