Bécancour, Quebec, June 29, 2010 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, has announced the payment of a non-refundable contribution of $360,000 to the Association touristique régionale (ATR) Centre-du-Québec. In the next two years, this financial support under the Community Diversification program will permit the organization to implement a marketing strategy specifically tailored to markets in Ontario, the Maritimes, the eastern U.S. and Europe.
The marketing strategy established by the association and the tourism enterprises it represents centres on placing advertisements in various media outlets, organizing press tours, taking part in international trade fairs and developing a solid presence on the World Wide Web through, among other things, Web 2.0 technology.
“Tourism is a priority for Canada Economic Development, not only because of the economic benefits it generates but also because it is an important asset for diversifying the economy of our regions. Centre-du-Québec has strong prospects for growth in tourism. In 2008, there were 744 enterprises and organizations in this industry employing some 2,100 people,” said Minister of State Lebel.
Founded in 1999, the Centre-du-Québec regional tourism association has 320 members from all tourism sectors (hotels, restaurants, festivals, sporting events, etc.). The association’s efforts over the years have permitted the region to carve an enviable niche among foreign visitors as a tourism destination of choice.
The Community Diversification program helps Quebec regions maintain and develop their economic activity base by supporting their efforts to attract tourists, among other goals.
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Sources:
Lyne Montpellier
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-371-5138 or 1-800-567-8637
E-mail: lyne.montpellier@dec-ced.gc.ca
Ève Cardinal
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
E-mail: eve.cardinal@dec-ced.gc.ca
