In May 2022, Tourisme Montréal launched the “Harmonious Destination” initiative, which kicked off the implementation of its Sustainable Tourism Framework for Action. One of its priorities, as it has often repeated, is to create products that Montrealers love first and foremost, and that also appeal to tourists visiting the city.

A year and a half after the launch of the Sustainable Tourism Framework for Action at the end of 2023, nearly half of the action items had been completed. The fact that all Tourisme Montréal teams got on board to implement these sustainable development initiatives is testament to their success.

The Sustainable Tourism Framework for Action, now called, “A Strategy for A More Sustainable Tourism” was thus revised. The actions related to the pandemic period were removed and changes were made to set goals that responded to the specific needs of actors within the industry.

Our strategy is closely aligned with the City of Montreal's 2020-2030 Climate Plan. This plan is one of the city's main tools for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. We have many common goals, including promoting a circular economy, reducing food waste and coaching companies as they adopt more ecological practices.

Positive spin-offs for the local economy and society

There are numerous advantages to tourism. In addition to being an economic driver, it promotes cultural exchanges, mutual comprehension and peace. As such, this “interaction between people of different backgrounds and ways of life represents an enormous opportunity to advance tolerance, respect and mutual understanding.” (Source: UNWTO)

In Montreal, the socio-economic benefits of tourism as perceived by residents and organizations also include:

• A more abundant and attractive local business offer
• An expanded and more diversified tourism offer
• Local and niche products that spark growing interest
• A curiosity toward and openness to discovering other cultures
• A more diverse and entertaining offer of festivals and events that residents can enjoy
• Organized activities bring increased inclusiveness and visibility of the arts and cultural products produced by different communities, including First Nations peoples

Strategic plan, reports and policy

Awards and distinctions for Tourisme Montréal

Our initiatives: towards a socio-ecological transition

We are committed to supporting our members in making a socio-ecological transition through different initiatives and training:

1. Training per sector of activity

   Tourisme Montréal offers members theme-based workshops and training (Sustainable Destination Annual Report 2023, p.14, p.35). Stay tuned for more member news! Please feel free to contact us for more information.

2. Reducing food waste

   One of the priorities of our “Harmonious Destination” is ending food waste. Our partnership with the Tablée des Chefs allows us to promote the program NOURRIR in the tourism industry to recuperate more food surpluses and redistribute them to people in need. 

3. Carbon offset: our initiatives

   3.1. Carbon offset tool: The carbon calculator calculates GHG emissions created by transportation, accommodations and meals during a tourism stay. Visitors can offset their carbon footprint by making a donation to Carbone boreal, a research arm of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, which goes toward planting trees.

   3.2. Partnership with Planétair : Since 2023, Tourisme Montréal has been working with Planétair to offset carbon footprints left from business travel by its staff, clients and media invited to discover the city.

   This amount funds, in equal part:

   - Source reduction and preservation of natural spaces in the greater Montréal area

   - Gold Standard renewable energy projects