Québec centre breaks financial records

AMERICAS – Managers at a major venue have hailed its latest results. The Québec City Convention Centre hosted 64 events and 17 international conferences and generated C$106.8m (US$86.92) in economic benefits. The 2014–2015 financial year set a number of new records, coming in just behind 2008, the year of Québec City’s 400th anniversary. Québec City hotels recorded 170,645 overnight stays, 22,484 more than in 2013–2014, benefiting  from the presence of some 200,000 business tourists who attended the Convention Centre’s conferences, meetings, trade shows, and other events. The accommodation and food service sector earned C$26.2 million in benefits. The influence and involvement of Québec City convention ambassadors  contributed to attracting 17 international conferences, which  generated C$30.7 million in benefits. Québec City Convention Centre president and CEO P.-Michel Bouchard said that by convincing their organisations to hold their conferences in Québec City, the ambassadors  played a key role in the Québec City Convention Centre’s sales strategies. He said: “The business tourism industry is doing very well in Québec City. The results for 2014–2015, which ended March 31, speak for themselves. We hosted a record 164 events, which is 21% more than last year. Along with the 17 international conferences we hosted, we’re talking about tremendous growth—it’s fantastic! The Québec City area has reason to be pleased. The Convention Centre and its activities generated $106.8 million in economic benefits.”