Business tourism is a major pillar of Québec’s tourism industry. It includes conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and incentive travel, generating significant economic benefits across several sectors, particularly hospitality, food service, and events.

According to the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec, this segment stands out due to a higher average spending per visitor compared to leisure tourism. Business travelers typically spend more on accommodation, dining, transportation, and related services.

The Alliance also highlights that business tourism represents a substantial share of tourism revenues in Québec and acts as a structuring economic driver, especially in major cities such as Montréal and Québec City, while also benefiting many regions.

Photo credit: Facebook Palais des congrès de Montréal

Direct Impact on Hospitality and Food Service

Business tourism has a direct impact on employment within the industry:

• Increased hotel occupancy rates, particularly during off-peak seasons
• Higher traffic in restaurants and catering services
• Creation of opportunities for both temporary and permanent workers
• Development of skills in service and hospitality professions

This segment also helps stabilize economic activity year-round, which is a key advantage for employers in the sector.

An Ambitious Vision for 2025–2028

In response to market changes, the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec has introduced a structured approach to strengthen Québec’s competitiveness.

In its strategic document, the organization clearly states its ambition:

« Favoriser une croissance ambitieuse et durable des événements d’affaires au Québec, en maximisant leur impact structurant sur l’économie, la société, les savoirs et les territoires, tant à l’échelle nationale qu’internationale. »

(Free translation: “Foster ambitious and sustainable growth of business events in Québec, by maximizing their structuring impact on the economy, society, knowledge, and territories, both nationally and internationally.”)

Source: La vision du tourisme d’affaires 2025-2028, Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec

This vision is built around several key priorities:

⚜️ Strengthening Québec’s Attractiveness

Position Québec as a leading international destination for business events.

💡 Leveraging Innovation and Expertise

Promote Québec’s areas of expertise to attract high-value, specialized conventions.

♻️ Encouraging Sustainable Practices

Integrate sustainable development principles into event planning and execution.

💸 Maximizing Regional Benefits

Support the hosting of events across all regions to drive broader economic development.

Opportunities for Industry Talent

For professionals in hospitality and food service, the growth of business tourism represents a major opportunity:

• Access to large-scale events
• Career development in a dynamic environment
• Greater diversity of work experiences
• Improved job stability through consistent demand

In a context of labor shortages, this segment also helps enhance the value of industry professions and attract new talent.

Learn More: A Structured and Collaborative Approach

The Alliance provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities shaping business tourism in Québec.

👉 Explore the full initiative

👉 Access the strategic document

Business tourism is a key strategic lever for Québec. Beyond its economic impact, it contributes to regional vitality, innovation, and the province’s international reputation.

For professionals in hospitality, food service, and events, it represents a sustainable opportunity for growth, employment, and career development.