Nautical tourism in Quebec, a market that has the wind in its sails with an economic impact of more than one billion

MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Maritime Association's (QMA) annual Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show highlights the importance of nautical tourism in Quebec - an industry with an economic impact of more than one billion dollars. Let's not forget that one of the four priorities of the Ministry of Tourism in its 2012-2020 Development Plan for the Tourism Industry is to establish the St. Lawrence River as a world-class destination.

"Quebec starts definitely to stand out as a nautical destination of choice abroad, especially from French and American tourists, says Yves Paquette, head of the QMA. We have noticed at the recent Paris and New York boat shows how much these publics want to discover Quebec differently… from the water. "

An industry that mobilizes
In 2007, the QMA created the Quebec Nautical Stations (QSN) network. With 10 nautical stations and 7 in development, QSN unites thousands of people from the nautical, tourism and public sectors. They all are mobilized to develop nautical infrastructures. Other nautical stations have been developed throughout Europe, including France and Spain, as well as the European Federation of Nautical Stations.

About the Montreal Boat and Water Sports
The Show will be held from February 7th to 10th at Place Bonaventure. With more than 400 boats, nearly 275 exhibitors and an average of 30,000 visitors, this is the largest nautical event in Quebec.

www.nautismequebec.com/qsn et www.salondubateau.com

SOURCE: Quebec Marine Association (QMA)

Jacinthe Lauzon
Coordinator, Communications
QMA
514 895-2211   [email protected]