Quarterly Report - October 1 to December 31, 2011 - Montréal and its convention centre shine as they attract business tourism

$26 million in spinoffs from hosting 8 new conventions at the Palais des congrès

MONTREAL, Jan. 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - For the quarter ending December 31, 2011, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal has confirmed it has secured four new international¹ conventions and four national² conventions that will generate an estimated $26 million for Montréal and Québec's economy. Secured primarily with the cooperation of the Société's long-standing partner Tourisme Montréal, the conventions will result in over 20,000 room nights being booked in hotels across the city.

In addition, the market for major consumer and trade shows performed particularly well, posting a 40% increase in bookings and thus translating into 173% more square feet in event space being rented by this growing market.

A thriving business destination
The confirmed events will bring together nearly 96,000 delegates to Montréal, or 3% more than during the same quarter last year. This shows how popular the city and the Palais are with leaders from national and international associations when the time comes to decide on a host site for their next convention.

"Reflecting the most prolific year in terms of tourism for Montréal in 30 years, the Palais succeeded in rolling out winning sales and marketing strategies to attract major events from all over the world," explains Marc Tremblay, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal. He adds: "Montréal was a trending topic worldwide in 2011, and its reputation — especially as a city of higher learning and as a cultural, creative, gastronomic and economic hub — contributes to our business tourism success. A 2010 finalist for the APEX Award for World's Best Congress Centre, the Palais delivers high performance facilities and quality service, which when combined with the friendliness of Montréalers, make an event held here a remarkable experience for delegates."

Year-to-date events confirmed for future years (April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011)
International and national conventions: 34
Estimated room nights: 109 077
Estimated economic spinoffs: $184 524 997 

Projected results from conventions hosted (April 1, 2011 - March 31, 2012)
International and national conventions: 34
Estimated room nights: 122 326
Estimated economic spinoffs: $148 671 921 

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 28 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination. For more information on the Palais des congrès de Montréal, visit our website at www.congresmtl.com.

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for promoting Montréal's hospitality industry by positioning the city as a premier business and leisure travel destination. A private non-profit organization founded in 1919, it has over 750 members from Montréal's tourism community. Tourisme Montréal is Québec's oldest tourism organization and among North America's earliest. For more information: www.tourisme-montreal.org.

1. Including U.S. conventions 2. Including Québec conventions