Government of Quebec Ensuring a Presence at International Aboriginal Tourism Conference

QUÉBEC CITY, March 24, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The minister responsible for Native Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Kelley, and the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region, Ms. Dominique Vien, are proud to participate in the 4th International Aboriginal Tourism Conference, which is being held in Quebec City for the first time in its history.  This event will take place today and tomorrow, March 24 and March 25.

Minister Geoffrey Kelley will act as honorary co-chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Entrepreneurship Recognition Gala, whereas the Ministry of Tourism will act as official presenter of the Traditions Night, which will take place in Wendake.

The conference is assembling more than 300 community leaders, business executives and key stakeholders from the Aboriginal tourism sector in Quebec, the rest of Canada and elsewhere. Moreover, the tourism sector is playing a key role in the economies of First Nations communities, and accounts for nearly 3 500 jobs.

"This important conference is an excellent opportunity to emphasize the valuable contribution that the Aboriginal communities are making to Quebec's cultural diversity, thereby contributing to tourism development in the entire province. In addition to acting as a driving force for economic development in First Nations communities, tourism is also a means to promote and preserve Aboriginal identity and culture," Minister Kelley noted.

"Aboriginal tourism is generating growing interest at home and abroad. This major event is enabling us to raise the profile of our Aboriginal tourism offerings in markets outside Quebec. What is more, enthusiasm for these services shows the importance of discussing best business practices and supporting entrepreneurs in the development of projects that meet tourists' expectations," Minister Dominique Vien added.

The Government of Quebec has contributed $95,000 to the event, of which $80,000 comes from the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones and $15,000 from the Ministry of Tourism for the promotion of its international sector.

Source:
Kimberly Labar	Cynthia St-Hilaire
Press Attachée	Press Attachée
Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs	Office of the Minister of Tourism and
418-646-9131	Minister responsible for the
	Chaudière-Appalaches region
	418-528-806

 

SOURCE Conseil exécutif

Kimberly Labar, Press Attachée, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, 418-646-9131; Cynthia St-Hilaire, Press Attachée, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region, 418-528-806