Hostellerie Baie Bleue will be able to enhance its tourism offerings and increase its competitiveness by expanding and upgrading its facilities

The Government of Canada awards $300,000 in financial assistance to this Gaspésie tourism business

CARLETON-SUR-MER, QC, July 23, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Hostellerie Baie Bleue is a three-star hotel in the Avignon regional county municipality. To enhance its tourism offerings and increase its competitiveness, it received a repayable contribution of $300,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. With this financial assistance, the business expanded and upgraded its facilities by transforming an old motel it recently acquired, thereby contributing to the enhancement of available accommodations in Carleton-sur-Mer.

The funding was announced today by Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. More specifically, the Government of Canada's assistance helped Hostellerie Baie Bleue transform the former Motel Fani, thereby providing it with 19 new units (15 rooms, four lofts with kitchenettes and a large six‑room cottage), as well as the furniture and equipment required for its expansion project.

Located in Carleton-sur-Mer in the Avignon regional county municipality, Hostellerie Baie Bleue Inc. has 109 accommodation units and is responsible for managing the Centre des congrès de la Gaspésie, which can accommodate over 500 people. The Hostellerie's facilities also include seven seaside cottages, a pub/restaurant, a dining room, a private tennis court and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The hotel offers various packages for its business traveller, delegate and tourist clienteles in partnership with tourist attractions and activities in the region. In 2010, it was named the National winner, Silver, at the Grands Prix du tourisme québécois. To better respond to high tourist demand, Hostellerie Baie Bleue has adopted a development plan to increase its accommodation capacity and enhance its tourism offerings.

Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for economic diversification, both nationally and regionally. The Government of Canada's support for tourism businesses is an effective way of supporting actions that generate economic benefits. This is why it ensures that businesses like Hostellerie Baie Bleue can rely on adequate support for their expansion and their contribution to the competitive advantages of the world‑renowned Gaspésie region.

Quotes

"I was thrilled to hear this excellent news for Hostellerie Baie Bleue, which has been contributing actively to Gaspé's economy for over 10 years now. The entire region, which is constantly bustling, owing in particular to its diversified tourism offerings, will feel the economic benefits of this hotel expansion project, as it will lead to the creation of six seasonal jobs in Carleton-sur-Mer. I am proud that the Government of Canada is promoting the growth of tourism by supporting small businesses that are aiming to increase their performance and competitiveness and, therefore, their expansion."

Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries across the globe, as well as a phenomenal driver of economic growth for Canada. CED's financial support will help Hostellerie Baie Bleue develop and further showcase the attractions of Carleton-sur-Mer and the Avignon regional county municipality, attracting even more visitors to the region. Through this support, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to promote Quebec's tourism regions, which has a positive impact on the local economy."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"We are grateful to CED and the Government of Canada for supporting our expansion project. Gaspésie welcomes many tourists, and most of Carleton-sur-Mer's accommodation establishments cannot keep up with the demand! With our development plan, we will be able to improve tourist retention– we can provide them with more complete accommodations that are better aligned with the requirements of today's travellers. The Government of Canada's support will allow us to secure our position in the Gaspé tourism industry and continue to help boost the region's economy."

Stéphane Boudreau, President and CEO, Hostellerie Baie Bleue

Quick facts

• Today's announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.
• The funding was awarded under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the2019–2020 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]