HISTORIC RECOGNITION OF ABORIGINAL TOURISM IN QUEBEC
Wendake, March 26, 2017 – Québec Aboriginal Tourism (QAT) proudly took part in the morning press conference at Bora Park held by Hon. Julie Boulet, Minister of Tourism, to announce the 2017-2020 Tourism Investment Plan. A funding of $70 million was announced for tourism development around five key business sectors giving a competitive edge to the province. Aboriginal tourism is at the heart of the strategies announced to fund regional initiatives.
Leveraging its rich culture, history, authenticity and vibrant dynamism, Aboriginal tourism strongly appeals to the international clientele and is one of the key business sectors prioritized for the investments, especially via three strategic avenues: event tourism, nature & adventure tourism, and northern tourism. The announcement supports and recognizes the importance of Aboriginal tourism in promoting Quebec’s exceptional attributes as a destination which stands out from the global competition.
“This is truly a historic moment for Aboriginal tourism, which is being recognized by Aboriginal stakeholders within our communities, by the governments of Quebec and Canada and by strategic partners such as Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec. This convergence asserts the importance of an industry with such a rich identity. We applaud these inclusive announcements aligned with our vision of Aboriginal tourism and give thanks for this historic recognition of Aboriginal culture,” said Dave Laveau, QAT Executive Director.
Earlier on Thursday, Federal Budget 2017 announcements also highlighted support and sustainable funding for Aboriginal tourism. The federal government will invest $8.6 million in funding over four years starting 2017-18 through the department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to support the development of an authentic Aboriginal tourism industry nationally. The funding will be made available to the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada (ATAC), of which Dave Laveau is Vice-President. This funding will help implement ATAC’s national five-year action plan for the sustainable growth of the industry. This federal announcement was also a hallmark in the history of Aboriginal tourism as an integral part of Canada’s offer as a destination.
Our industry is gaining tremendous momentum through these recognitions which honour the leadership and tourism expertise of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
About QAT
QAT is the sectoral tourism association recognized by the provincial ministry of tourism as the official representative of Aboriginal tourism and by the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador as the services and exchange platform for the development and promotion of the Aboriginal tourism offer. Dedicated to the marketing of Aboriginal tourism experiences and products, QAT provides the Aboriginal tourism entrepreneurs of Quebec with a representative body that safeguards their interests, supports their development and offers a range of products and services that promote business development, improve business practices and increase their visibility in tourism markets.
In Quebec, the number of Aboriginal tourism enterprises has more than doubled since the early 2000s. Each year, Aboriginal Quebec welcomes more than a million visitors, sustains about 3,500 jobs and generates an estimated $169 million in economic benefits.
For more information about QAT, visit www.quebecaboriginal.com.
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Source: Patricia Auclair, Communications Advisor
Tel: 418 843-5030 Cell: 418 254-5067
pauclair@tourismeautochtone.com
