Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, July 6, 2009− The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of $696,326 in non-repayable funding to Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue for the deployment of a commercialization strategy on Canadian and foreign markets from 2009 to 2012.
The tourism agency intends to focus its efforts on promoting the region’s distinctive products and attractions, including snowmobiling, adventure tourism, outdoor recreational activities, sports and cultural events and festivals. The initiatives launched this year will necessitate an overall investment of $2.1 million.
“In this period of economic downturn, it is important that particular attention be given to the tourism sector. A powerful engine of development for Abitibi-Témiscamingue, this key sector encompasses more than 600 enterprises and organizations, which together employ some 2,300 people in the region. Our financial support will allow Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue to help the sector’s enterprises in their efforts to gain greater market visibility in Ontario, the Great Lakes area of the United States and French-speaking Europe,” explained the Minister of State.
The commercialization strategy devised by the region’s tourism agency and enterprises will include advertising in the media, organizing media tours, taking part in international tourism shows and building a solid presence on the Internet through Web 2.0 technologies.
Tourism is a promising growth sector for Abitibi-Témiscamingue, as are mining, agri-food processing and the transformation of forest products. It is therefore in these priority areas that Canada Economic Development has decided to focus its development efforts in the region.
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Sources:
Lyne Montpellier
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel. : 1-800-567-8637
E-mail: lyne.montpellier@dec-ced.gc.ca
Stéphanie Desforges
Senior Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-1282
E-mail: stephanie.desforges@dec-ced.gc.ca
