Port of Montreal - Cruise activities receive two awards of excellence

MONTREAL, March 17 /CNW Telbec/ - For a second consecutive year, the Port of Montreal has received the Best Turnaround Port Operations award from the prestigious magazine Dream World Cruise Destinations. Eight other ports around the world also received this award which recognizes the ports that stood out in 2009 for the excellence of their cruise infrastructures, such as berths and the terminal or passenger handling facility, as well as the quality of their passenger and ship services, such as security, customs, baggage handling, cleaning, supplying and stevedoring.

The Port of Montreal also received the 2009 Best Turnaround Destination award which recognizes the cruise destinations that offer passengers a superior quality welcome expressed in excellent transfer service to airports and train stations, a broad array of hotels and wide-ranging tourism appeal. Four other ports around the world also received this award.

"It is a great honour to receive these two awards that spotlight the quality of services we deliver to passengers and cruise lines, and that recognize Montreal as a preferred tourist destination for international cruise lines," stated Sylvie Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal Port Authority.

Last year, the Port of Montreal welcomed 26 international cruise ships carrying 47,534 passengers and crew.

    
    About the Montreal Port Authority
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The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) operates the world's largest inland port. It is a leader among container ports, through which more than 24.5 million tonnes of cargo transited in 2009. More than 1,250,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) were handled at the Port of Montreal in 2009. The Port of Montreal owns its own rail network, operated directly on the piers. It is linked to two major railways and a highway system. The Port also operates a grain terminal and a marine passenger terminal. All other terminals are operated by private stevedoring firms. Port activity supports 18,200 jobs and generates $1.5 billion in economic spin-offs per year.

For further information: Jean-Paul Lejeune, Director of Communications, [phone], Fax: [phone], [email protected]; www.port-montreal.com