/R E P E A T -- Tourisme Montréal is thrilled to welcome the 2014 Canadian Women's Curling Championship to Montréal/

MONTREAL, Feb. 17, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - It's been 34 years, but the Canadian Women's Curling Championship, otherwise known as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, is slated to return to Montréal. Twelve teams of elite players will vie for the national championship title at the Maurice Richard Arena next February 2014. It goes without saying that Tourisme Montréal is thrilled to welcome this sporting major event that will have significant economic impact on our city in addition to showcasing Montréal to the rest of Canada.

Responsible for promoting Montréal as a destination to different markets, Tourisme Montréal works to develop business opportunities in the world of sport. In order to attract national and international sporting events to Montréal, the Montréal tourism bureau works in conjunction with important partners, including Tourisme Québec, the City of Montréal, the MAMROT and the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport.

"One of Canada's most popular sporting events, the Canadian Women's Curling Championship represents a potential of some 1,500 room nights in Montréal hotels, to which we can also add auxiliary tourist expenditures. Above and beyond the economic spin-off it will generate, this event constitutes an exceptional opportunity for our city to shine in the eyes of federated sport," underlines the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal.

Unbeknownst to many, Montréal is actually where curling began in Canada. In fact, Canada's first organized curling club was formed in Montréal in 1807. Today, curling continues to be a popular pastime in the province, with many of Canada's curling champions hailing from Quebec.

"This is indeed a unique opportunity for athletes from across the country to play where it all began, in the historical centre of curling in Canada. Not only does Montréal possess indelible European charm, but Montréalers are incredibly passionate about their city, rendering it an exceptional location to hold this prestigious event", highlights Greg Sleno, Host Committee Chair of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. "The local organizing committee is incredibly excited to host this championship in Montréal after 34 years."

The 2014 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian Women's Curling Championship will be played in the Maurice Richard Arena from February 1 to 9, 2014.

About Tourisme Montréal

Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the "Montréal" 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. For more information, please visit www.tourisme-montreal.org.

SOURCE: TOURISME MONTREAL

Alexandra Graveline
Manager - Corporate Public Relations Tourisme Montréal 514 844-3558
Cell phone: [phone]
[email protected]