MONTREAL, March 24 /CNW Telbec/ - The 24th edition of the Québec Tourism Awards (Grands Prix du Tourisme québécois) was held last evening at TOHU in Montréal. The evening's festivities, masterfully emceed by actor Bernard Fortin, proved a resounding success. A total of 19 companies and personalities were recognized in their respective categories for service excellence within the industry. Each year, since 1985, the Québec Tourism Awards honour the drive, excellence and bold spirit of innovation of companies and individuals active in the tourism industry.
In the company of Messrs. Jacques Parisien and Charles Lapointe, respectively Chairman of the Board of Directors and President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal, the crowd of some 300 attendees delighted in the warm, upbeat ambience and brilliant performances by percussionist group Samajam, singer Genevieve Charest and violinist Eric Speed.
A special tribute was paid to Paul Saint-Jacques who recently departed his post as President of Palais des congrès de Montréal. Mr Saint-Jacques is looking forward to his well deserved retirement. The highest Québec Tourism Award, the Ulysse Trophy, was awarded to Eugène Lapierre, Vice President, Professional Tennis, Québec and Tournament Director of the Rogers Cup in Montréal for his many accomplishments within the ranks of Tennis Canada.
"An exceptional evening for an assembly of exceptional people,? stated Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal. ?Each year, it is with renewed pride that I realize just how many devoted, passionate and talented individuals make up our extended tourism family. These truly exceptional individuals help uphold Montréal's reputation for excellence in the international forum and there is a little of each in Montréal's tourism success. I wish to take this opportunity to thank them all from the bottom of my heart."
Readers will recall that regional winners are automatically eligible for the province-wide edition of this prestigious awards contest which spawns generous spin-offs not only for recipients but also for the Greater Montréal area as a whole. The provincial gala will be held on 15 May 2009 at Centre des congrès de Québec.
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The 2009 Grands Prix du tourisme québécois Regional Winners
Montréal Region
Outdoor and Adventure Tourism
- Horizon Roc Climbing Centre
Tourist Attractions - less than 100,000 visitors
- Centre d'histoire de Montréal
Tourist Attractions - 100,000 visitors or more (presented by the Journal
de Montréal)
- Montréal Botanical Garden for The Magic of Lanterns
Dining - Tourism Development
- Fourquet Fourchette du Palais
Ecotourism and adventure tourism
- H2O Adventures
Festivals and Tourism Events - operating budget of less than $1M
- MUTEK
Festivals and Tourism Events - operating budget of $1M or more
- Les FrancoFolies de Montréal
Accommodations - 4- and 5-star establishments
- Opus Montréal
Accommodations - 1- to 3-star establishments or less
- Auberge Le Pomerol
Accommodations - Bed and Breakfasts
- Atmosphère
Accommodations - Tourism Residences
- Lofts du Vieux-Port
Tourism Services
- Conservus
Transportation and Travel
- Authentik Canada
Sustainable Tourism
- Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
Sustainable Tourism - hounorable mention
- TOHU
Human Resources - Tourism Employee
- Antonio Suarez, Hilton Montréal Bonaventure
Human Resources - Tourism Manager
- Josée Duhaime, Centre des sciences de Montréal
Human Resources - Tourism, next generation
- Christina Poon, Montréal Science Centre
Ulysse Trophy
- Mr. Eugène Lapierre, Tennis Canada
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Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the
concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the
destination on leisure and business travel markets. It is also
responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with
the ever-changing conditions of the market.
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For further information: Pierre Bellerose, Vice President, Public Relations, Product Research and Development, Tourisme Montréal, (514) 844-2404, bellerose.pierre@tourisme-montreal.org
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