On May 11th, in the Old Port of Montreal, Le Québec maritime brought together representatives from nearly thirty businesses and tourist destinations from regions such as Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord, and Îles de la Madeleine to meet with buyers from major receptive tour operators active in its target markets. This tourism fair, held on board the Cavalier Maxim of Croisières AML, the main sponsor of the event, aimed to connect providers of tourism products and services from eastern Quebec with stakeholders in the travel distribution network to generate profitable business opportunities. The event also saw the presence of Ms. Amélie Dionne, Minister of Tourism and Member of the National Assembly for the riding of Rivière-du-Loup–Témiscouata, who addressed the participants during lunch.
“I am very happy to have been able to attend the Maritime Quebec Fair and meet the players in this industry from the eastern regions of Quebec. This event is a strategic meeting that creates direct links between our companies and international distribution networks, while concretely supporting the development of our markets and the promotion of our regions,” said Minister of Tourism Amélie Dionne.
More than 325 meetings
Structured as a professional “speed dating” event, the gathering allowed 26 representatives of companies associated with the international marketing program of Maritime Quebec to meet with 23 delegates from the travel distribution network. These 10-minute meetings were an opportunity for these companies to showcase their products and services with the aim of being included in the various travel packages offered by these operators to travelers outside Quebec. Participating companies received brief training from the Maritime Quebec team prior to the fair to prepare adequately and ensure the best conditions for success.
Numerous networking opportunities
The day of meetings was followed by a free market and a cocktail dinner under the theme “Heading to Quebec by sea!”, during which company representatives could continue their discussions with buyers and meet other receptive agencies and partners present for the occasion.
“Creating business networking opportunities like the Maritime Quebec Fair allows our companies to fully establish themselves in international markets. By building strong relationships with the distribution network, we ensure together the growth and promotion of our regions,” stated Nathalie Blouin, General Manager of Maritime Quebec.
A gesture for the planet
Since the event took place in Montreal and welcomed participants from the four regions of eastern Quebec, it was important for Maritime Quebec to do its part in reducing the impact of these travels. The equivalent CO2 emissions will be offset by the purchase of educational carbon credits via Carbone Scol’ERE, which offers a hands-on educational program in primary schools in Quebec.
