A difficult summer for tourists in Laval

Laval, September 24, 2020 - Laval's tourism industry has just experienced an unusual summer season, marked by a sharp drop in the level of tourism activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Quebecers traveled locally, Laval's urban destination was heavily affected. In addition, our business travelers, who represent half of our tourists, cancelled or postponed their stays. 

Let's remember that the closing of borders, the limitation of groupings, the rules of physical distancing and the sanitary measures have led the industry to adapt to face these major challenges since the beginning of the pandemic.

In figures: the impacts of COVID-19

• 60% decrease in visitors to tourist attractions*.
• Hotel occupancy of 24%, a 66% decrease from summer 2019*
• All festivals in Laval have been cancelled, which represents 90,000 fewer festival-goers, according to the 2019 attendance figures*.
• 12% of Tourisme Laval membersremain closed to date
• Since the beginning of the crisis, we are short 30 conventions, which represents $2.3 million less in direct participant spending.

*Statistics were compiled for the June, July and August period by Tourisme Laval according to the Tourism Performance Indicators methodology, March 2017, developed by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.

The fall and even winter seasons look worrisome
With the recent announcements by the Public Health Department, expert studies and the pulse of Laval's tourism industry, Tourisme Laval foresees a worrying fall and even winter season. The absence of major conventions and sporting events will have a major impact on hotel occupancy rates. "With the delay this summer and the forecasts that are hardly encouraging, more than ever, our tourism businesses need financial support and guidance to face the next few months, which are expected to be particularly difficult," concludes Geneviève Roy, President and CEO of Tourisme Laval.

About Laval Tourism Tourisme Laval
As a leader in a rapidly expanding industry, Tourisme Laval contributes to the development of Laval as a tourist destination, provides leadership in the reception and promotion of attractions, and acts as a rallying agent for members and partners in a sustainable development perspective.

Source: Hélène Vézina
Director of Communications, Tourisme Laval, 450-682-5522, ext. 105
[email protected]