In recent years, Old Montréal and the Old Port have become the main tourism districts in the Montréal region. According to the latest surveys, they account for over 11.5 million person-visits a year.

Generally speaking, there is potential demand for accommodation in Old Montréal. The clear recovery in the real estate market, the development of the International Quarter, the expansion of the Palais des Congrès, the opening of the Interactive Science Centre in the Old Port and the creation of the Cité du Multimédia all confirm the positive outlook for the hotel industry in Old Montréal.

An evaluation real-estate in Old Montréal shows many old buildings, of great architectural quality, that would be suitable for conversion into small- and medium-sized hotels. Furthermore, a recent market study by Horwath Consultants shows that the hotel market in Old Montréal and its catchment zone could support from 1,200 to 1,550 new rooms by 2008.

To make Old Montréal a true overnight destination, the Québec government and the City of Montréal are offering different financial assistance measures to encourage the development of small and medium-sized hotels in heritage buildings in the historic quarter.