Montréal welcomes over 2,000 travel and tourism professionals starting
tomorrow!

MONTREAL, Nov. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting tomorrow, Montréal will welcome more than 2,000 travel and tourism professionals for the annual NTA Convention, joined by the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) Expo at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

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 the most diverse group of buyers and sellers of any other travel industry show.

"While the immediate economic impact of the Convention is expected to be sizeable, it is the residual impact that is even more valuable: with Montréal as an international tourism focal point, the exposure garnered from such an event will undoubtedly result in significant long-term spin-offs," expressed the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. "We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Canadian Tourism Commission, the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec, the Ministère des Affaires municipales, Régions et Occupation du territoire, as well as to the Palais des congrès de Montréal for their invaluable participation in welcoming this major event," he concluded. 

"The entire team of the Palais des congrès de Montréal is thrilled to welcome delegates from the NTA and World Religious Travel Expo, and is looking forward to showing them why Montréal was hailed the premiere destination in North America for international associative events by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)," affirmed Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal. "This will not only be an ideal opportunity for tourism industry professionals to discover the cutting-edge technological environment of the Palais and its many multi-functional and accessible spaces, but also to enjoy its superlative customer service."

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 Saint 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 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.

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 more than 25 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination.

For further information:

Pierre Bellerose
Vice President
Public Relations, Product Research and Development
Tourisme Montréal
514 844-2404
[email protected]