MONTRÉAL, June 26, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - A new ranking confirms Montréal's continued domination as an international meeting city in the Americas, for a third straight year. Outperforming New York, Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and other major North and South American cities, Montréal topped the International Meetings Statistics for the Year 2013 report released by the Union of International Associations (UIA).
"After being declared last month 2013's leading host city in North America for international conventions by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the UIA now gives us the title of top international meeting city for the Americas as a whole, north and south! That's something to be proud of," indicated Raymond Larivée, President and CEO of the Palais des congrès. "But we did not come by this recognition by accident. We've been ranked Number One three years running. It is a deservedly earned crowning achievement that speaks to the collaborative efforts of the Palais des congrès de Montréal, its Ambassadors and Tourisme Montréal."
"The close working relationship between the teams of the Palais des congrès and Tourisme Montréal is undoubtedly one of the factors driving Montréal's success in the international meeting market," added Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. "We are very pleased with this top ranking, which obviously points to the outstanding job we're doing meeting the needs of international associations in terms of infrastructure, welcome and attractions. In additional to contributing significantly to the city's economy, these events are also remarkable for further nurturing Montréal's reputation worldwide."
The city's primary venue for major meetings since it opened in 1983, the Palais des congrès hosted 25 international conventions in 2013-2014 with more than 37,000 participants, who helped generate over $82 million in economic benefits for Montréal and the Québec province. Overall, 82 international events took place whether at the Palais or the city's hotels in 2013-2014.
About the UIA
The Union of International Associations, founded in 1907, is a research institute and documentation centre that specializes in researching, compiling and providing information on international organizations and international associations as a means of understanding global issues. Through its ongoing efforts to facilitate recognition of the nature and complexities of the international community of organizations, the UIA has become an advanced, state-of-the-art technical centre in the fields of academia, government and business.
To learn more: www.uia.org
About the Palais des congrès de Montréal
The mission of the Palais des congrès de Montréal is to attract and host conventions, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events. A public institution with a commercial vocation, the Palais generates major economic spinoffs for Québec and has contributed proudly for over 30 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination.
To learn more: www.congresmtl.com
About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership with regard to the concerted hospitality and promotion efforts aimed at positioning Montréal in leisure and business travel markets. It is also responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with changing market conditions.
To learn more: www.tourisme-montreal.org
Sources Tourisme Montréal and Palais des congrès de Montréal
SOURCE: Palais des congrès de Montréal
Jimmy Laforge, Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs, Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal, [email protected], Phone: 514 871-5807; Alexandra Graveline, Manager, Corporate Public Relations, Tourisme Montréal, [email protected], Phone: 514 844-3558
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