In partnership with Planet Québec and M for Montréal - Tourisme Montréal takes off to South by Southwest to highlight Montréal creativity

MONTREAL, March 11, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - In partnership with M for Montréal and as part of the Planet Québec program, Tourisme Montréal will take part in the music segment of the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival to showcase up-and-coming local artists. Next March 16, the city of Austin will be treated to the fabulous sound of some of Montréal's most talented groups. In an effort to support Montréal creativity, Tourisme Montréal will fly to Texas so as to promote Montréal as a dynamic destination, home to one of North America's most original musical scenes.

A not-to-be-missed event in the music, film and interactive media industries, SXSW annually welcomes over 120,000 professionals and close to 5,000 journalists from across the globe. A unique meeting place that promotes discovery and rich exchange, this internationally-renowned festival will be held from March 8 to 17.

"Tourisme Montréal's interest in culture and Montréal creativity isn't anything new. We have been dedicated to supporting and promoting this incredible facet of our city for well over 15 years, as demonstrated by our extensive cultural tourism development initiatives, underlines the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal. For us, SXSW is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the very essence of our city, which lies in the talent of our artists."

Under the aegis of Planet Québec, an initiative of the Government of Québec, Tourisme Montréal will collaborate with M for Montréal in order to present the artists, Ain't No Love, Peter Peter, Plaster, Hôtel Morphée and Koriass at Austin's Swann Dive nightclub this coming March 16, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

"Tourisme Montréal recognized that South by Southwest is an extraordinary showcase for local artists. We are thrilled to work with them and partners from Planet Québec to promote Montréal's musical scene to international markets. Their support in content distribution and their promotional expertise will be of invaluable assistance to us," states Sébastien Nasra, President and Founder of M for Montréal.

So as to maximize the scope of this initiative, reporter Tamy Emma Pépin will be on site to produce short videos of her interviews with different Montréal bands, which will be broadcast on the Tourisme Montréal blog as well as on other social media platforms. Tourisme Montréal representatives will be on hand to spark and encourage exchanges, as well as to promote international media coverage about Montréal.

To follow the Tourisme Montréal team and local artists at SXSW:

• The Montréal Buzz blog (ENG): tourisme-montreal.org/blog/
• Blogue Vivez Montréal (FR): tourisme-montreal.org/blog/fr/
• Facebook: facebook.com/montreal
• Twitter: @Montreal, @MonMontreal

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the "Montréal" 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. For more information, please visit www.tourisme-montreal.org.

SOURCE: TOURISME MONTREAL

Alexandra Graveline
Manager - Corporate Public Relations
Tourisme Montréal
514 844-3558
[email protected]