Eight projects funded and $324,293 invested in regional development!

Outaouais – March 26 2009
This morning, Outaouais Tourism, in partnership with the ministère du Tourisme and the Conférence régionale des élus de l’Outaouais (CRÉO), presented the first year report card of the Tourism Development Program of the Outaouais [Programme de développement touristique de l’Outaouais (PDTO)], launched last spring. Eight tourism and agritourism projects were chosen and awarded non-repayable grants totalling $324,293: $297,293 invested in infrastructures and $27,000 for two studies, broken down as follows:

• Alpaca Unlimited: $14,000 for the development of a reception area for agritourism visits;
   
• Laflèche Adventure: $75,000 for the addition of a second aerial park (the Summit Aerial Park);
   
• Base plein-air Air-Eau-Bois: $15,000 for market research on business opportunities related to the development of the recreation and tourism centre;
   
• Éco-Odyssée: Investments of $72,000, the first year, and $66,854, the second year, for the development of infrastructures such as a reception building, exterior shelters, access roads and signage;
   
• Olivier Soapery: $40,000 for building an exterior workshop where demonstrations on saponification will be held;
   
• Le Viceroy***Auberge & Spa: $12,500 for the installation of Nordic baths;
   
• Les Brasseurs du temps: $12,000 for a concept study for an interpretation centre on beer brewing;
   
• Théâtre des Quatre Sœurs: $16,939 to make improvements to the infrastructures.

“We take pride in being able to support the initiatives of Outaouais promoters through our contribution to the tax on lodging. Thanks to this Program, Outaouais Tourism is now actively involved in the development and renewal of the region’s tourism supply. This is great news for our destination! The leverage generated by the Program is quite interesting because it translates into a regional investment of $1,788,983!” proudly points out Tourism Outaouais’ executive board president, Mrs. Louise Boudrias.

“This agreement allows us to finance local and regional structuring activities that consolidate and improve our tourism supply so that the Outaouais Region will become a must-see tourist destination where urban and rural offers complement each other to provide a rewarding and, most importantly, memorable experience.” adds the Conférence régionale des élus de l’Outaouais’ president, Mrs. Paulette Lalande.

The Tourism Development Program of the Outaouais stems from a partnership agreement, signed in April 2008. The agreement reflects the shared desire of the ministère du Tourisme, Outaouais Tourism and the Conférence régionale des élus de l’Outaouais to join their efforts in order to optimize investments in tourism based on regional priorities, thus creating a leverage effect for development of tourism in the region. The agreement represents sums of $1,500,000 spread over 4 years for the development of tourism in the Outaouais Region; an investment of $500,000 from each partner for the duration of the agreement.

It should be noted that priority is given to structuring projects that generate leverage and job creation. Preference is also given to projects that help reinforce and develop tourism supply, in keeping with sustainable development, as well as enhance the visitor’s experience in the Outaouais Region, by improving, among other things, the quality of the tourism product and services. A request for proposals is currently under way and tourism stakeholders have until October 15, 2009, to submit their application.

Information:

José Lafleur
Assistant Director – Communications / Outaouais Tourism

819-778-2530, ext. 207 / 819-775-0415 cell

jlafleur@tourisme-outaouais.ca / www.outaouaistourism.com