Cruise the Saint Lawrence collaborated with the Québec consultancy firm Aviseo Conseil to carry out the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken on the economic influence of international cruise tourism along the Saint Lawrence River. The results from the 2024 season reveal that the cruise sector has become a key contributor to the provincial economy, with cruise passengers spending an average of three hundred sixty-four dollars per day while visiting Québec’s nine cruise ports.

The study found that international cruise tourism in 2024 produced three hundred twenty-nine point three million dollars in total expenditures, translating into one hundred ninety-two point two million dollars in added economic value. This activity generated two thousand two hundred ninety-nine jobs through direct, indirect, and induced employment, underscoring the cruise sector’s essential contribution to Québec’s economic growth.

Passenger volume also grew, with four hundred eleven thousand one hundred sixty-three passenger-days recorded throughout the 2024 season. This marked a two point five percent increase over 2023 and a fifty-four point five percent rise from 2022, placing Québec firmly on track to return to pre-pandemic tourism levels.

“The cruise industry acts a powerful lever for economic development in a number of Québec regions. Overall economic impact detailed in the study substantiates the structuring effect of the industry, not only with respect to port investments and regional job creation, but also with regard to enhanced tourism appeal during off-peak periods. International cruises provide us with a unique opportunity to enhance market exposure for our regions, our culture and our know-how with curious international visitors in search of authenticity,” underscored Marie-Andrée Blanchet, President of Cruise the Saint Lawrence.

The port of Québec led in cruise activity, receiving one hundred eight ships and accounting for two hundred eighteen thousand seventy-three passenger-days. The port of Montréal recorded the highest average passenger expenditure—six hundred sixty-two dollars, including accommodation. Factoring in lodging at both Montréal and Québec ports, the overall average daily passenger spending rose to four hundred forty-two dollars for Saint Lawrence cruises.

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region ranked second in terms of economic impact, generating twenty point six million dollars in added value. These figures underscore the broader regional benefits of cruise tourism, especially in less urbanized areas.

Multiple Regions Reap the Benefits

In 2024, international cruise passengers visited six administrative regions across Québec, including Montréal, La Mauricie, the Québec capital region, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, the North Shore, and Gaspé–Îles-de-la-Madeleine. These regions experienced meaningful infrastructure upgrades and economic momentum thanks to cruise-driven investments.

International cruise guests contributed significantly to Québec’s foreign currency reserves. Ninety-one point six percent of their spending was in foreign currency, generating approximately one hundred sixty-seven million dollars of the four point one billion dollars Québec earns annually from international tourism.

Cruises have also enhanced Québec’s cultural presence globally. Tourists increasingly explore local attractions, regional cuisine, artisanal goods, and cultural offerings, driving visibility for destinations beyond the province’s major cities.

“These figures demonstrate that the cruise industry has a vital role to play in growing tourism and enhancing the tourism supply in Québec. The majestic Saint Lawrence enables visitors to discover the beauty of our destination and to explore ports of call in different regions, while generating economic benefits for the communities visited. We are proud to pursue cooperation with our valued partner Cruise the Saint Lawrence and help ensure that the international cruise industry continues to contribute handsomely to the Québec economy,” stated Caroline Proulx, Québec Minister of Tourism and minister responsible for Lanaudière region.

Extending the Tourism Calendar

Cruise tourism has helped extend Québec’s visitor season into September and October, months when tourism generally declines in smaller ports. The 2024 season also introduced winter cruises on the Saint Lawrence, a significant milestone that aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s objective to promote year-round travel.

Additionally, the cruise industry has opened new doors for First Nations communities, as many international travelers seek authentic Indigenous experiences. Approximately one-third of international travelers to Canada have shown a keen interest in experiencing Indigenous tourism.

“In 2024, expenditures per passenger were three times higher than in the previous study, thereby reaffirming the importance of the international cruise industry for Québec as a whole. Overall economic impact of close to $200 million flowed from sound methodology anchored in best practices for economic analysis,” explained Alexandre Ainsley, Director with Aviseo Conseil.

This comprehensive report, commissioned by Cruise the Saint Lawrence and conducted entirely by Québec firm Aviseo Conseil, offers an accurate picture of the cruise sector’s real contribution. The findings closely mirror conclusions by the provincial Ministry of Tourism, confirming the cruise industry’s growing importance to the provincial economy.

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