Val-d'Or, Quebec, July 2, 2008 – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced that the Fédération des pourvoiries du Québec (FPQ)-the Quebec federation of outfitters-has been awarded $480,145 in non-repayable funding toward the implementation of the first year of its marketing plan. Targeting clienteles outside Quebec, this plan will focus mainly on promoting the hunting and fishing activities offered through the province's outfitting operations.
Within the next three years, this FPQ initiative is expected to lead to an annual increase of 1,000 tourists from outside Quebec visiting these outfitting operations, generating a substantial rise in revenues for the industry.
This promotional campaign will also serve to bolster the tourism drawing power of many Quebec regions where outfitters offer important loss leaders. In proposing outdoor activities year round, these establishments will help attract numerous visitors while increasing tourism traffic outside of high-season periods.
"The tourism industry is a key priority for the Government of Canada and an important source of jobs and growth. That is why this past April I announced a new $67 million funding initiative called Major Economic and Tourism Facilities," explained Minister Blackburn.
The federation's action plan, which centres on missions, trade fairs, media tours and targeted advertising, will seek to raise the profile of the tourism products offered by outfitters involved in these commercialization efforts on outside markets. Its goal will also be to develop a new branding strategy with increased emphasis on information and communication technologies through the Internet and cyber marketing.
"Tourism right now is experiencing particularly rapid growth. The development of outside markets can only help foster the development and sustainability of the province's outfitters and bring considerable benefits to numerous Quebec communities," the Minister concluded.
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Sources:
François Bélisle
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-825-5260, ext. 235
E-mail: francois.belisle@dec-ced.gc.ca
Pierre Miquelon
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-1282
E-mail: pierre.miquelon@dec-ced.gc.ca
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