Quebec winter tourism attraction contributes to economic diversity in Gaspésie

Minister Joly engages with local tourism experts as she develops Canada's new tourism strategy

MATANE, QC, Feb. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's tourism sector provides visitors with unparalleled experiences and showcases regional flavours while contributing significantly to local economies. Attractions like the world-famous Traversées de la Gaspésie—a week-long, all-inclusive sport vacation offering cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking—celebrate the unique beauty and culinary treasures that can be found from Matane to Gaspé. Local sport enthusiasts and international tourists alike flock to Gaspésie every winter to enjoy this exclusive experience.

That's why the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, was pleased to visit Traversées de la Gaspésie where she met with organizers, addressed participants and discussed how winter tourism creates good jobs to support middle-class families. Engaging with local tourism experts provides her with important insight into what is needed to develop the new federal tourism strategy and further grow Canada's visitor economy. Expanding year-round tourism opportunities in Canada will help attract new visitors to every region, both rural and urban, of the country and will ultimately build stronger, more diverse communities.  

This year, the Traversées de la Gaspésie will welcome over 250 adventure seekers from around the world. During the seven-night trip, participants will be introduced to local cuisine and shown the unique landscape of the region. These authentically Canadian experiences are huge assets for communities as they allow local entrepreneurs to showcase unique attractions that bring in new visitors and bolster the economy.

Quote

"Traversées de la Gaspésie offers a unique tourism experience that showcases the best Gaspésie has to offer: a spectacular landscape, world-class winter adventures and unrivalled culinary experiences. It exemplifies everything that makes Canada a great tourism destination year-round. And our government knows that tourism helps every part of the country, including Gaspésie, by providing good jobs for middle-class families. That's why, over the last few months, I've met with people across the country who work tirelessly to make Canada a tourist destination of choice all year round. Their unique experiences, as well as the work of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy, will inform our new federal tourism strategy."
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

Quick facts

• Tourism represents 2% of Canada's gross domestic product.
• Tourism supports 1.8 million jobs in Canada.
• Tourism supports 355,100 jobs and 32,000 businesses in Quebec, according to the Alliance de l'industrie touristique du Québec.

Associated links

• Tourism in Canada
• Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy
• Minister Joly creates the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy to maximize Canada's tourism potential

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada