Montréal to host the 2010 annual NTA Convention this November

MONTREAL, Oct. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - This coming November 13 to 17, Montréal will welcome more than 2,000 travel and tourism professionals for the annual NTA Convention and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) Expo, held jointly at the Palais des congrès. The NTA Convention is expected to bring at least $3.5 million to the city during the five-day event. More valuable to the city than the immediate revenue from the NTA Convention is the area's exposure to more than 500 tour operators and travel agents from 40 countries, as this event brings together a more diverse group of buyers and sellers than any other travel industry show.

"It is with great pride that we host this year's edition of the NTA Convention alongside the 2010 edition of the World Religious Travel Expo. All eyes will be on Montréal as key players from all facets of the international tourist industry come here to do business. To be chosen as the convention site is indeed a great honour, and demonstrates yet again to the world that Montréal is a world-class destination for meetings and tourism," expressed the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. "While the immediate economic impact of these conventions is expected to be sizeable, it is the residual impact that is even more valuable: with Montréal as a tourism focal point, the exposure garnered from such a convention will undoubtedly result in significant long-term spin-offs," he concluded.

NTA selected Montréal as a host city for its numerous positive attributes. "Montréal and Canada are important destinations for NTA tour operators. As a Canadian, I'm thrilled to welcome my NTA colleagues to this incredible city," said Dawn Rueckl of Kamloops-based Wells Gray Tours, who is serving as NTA Convention chairman. "Canada has so much to offer and through the NTA Convention, we have the perfect opportunity to showcase the rich heritage and culture of Montréal and the surrounding area."

"We are thrilled to hold the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal this year, one month following the Catholic Church's canonization of Brother André, founder of St. Joseph's Oratory. Already a religious travel destination with many landmarks, Montréal will benefit immensely from hosting WRTA and welcoming faith-based travel professionals and tourism organizations from around the world," said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President.

About NTA
NTA is the leading association for professionals serving travelers to, from and within North America. Since its founding in 1951, the association has served a broad and diverse membership and helped them expand market reach with innovative business tools, strategic relationships and collaboration within the industry. NTA membership represents more than 40 countries.

About the WRTA
The WRTA is the leading global network for the faith-based tourism industry. WRTA's mandate is to guide, enrich and expand religious travel and hospitality around the globe. WRTA membership includes travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, attractions, accommodations, suppliers, media and other organizations involved in tourism.

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the destination in 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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