THE province of Quebec is looking to cash in on the big increase in UK product to Canada as more operators are on the lookout for something different.
Destination Quebec UK director Josephine Wiggall-Lazarus said: “Some UK tour companies are almost doubling the size of their Canada brochures while others have introduced stand-alone programmes. This means they are not only increasing their product but expanding into areas like Quebec.”
One indicator is the steadily rising number of charter seats available from the UK to Montreal. This summer, 24,000 round-trip seats are up for sale through Air Transat, Royal Airlines and Canada 3000, which alone accounts for 16,208.
Wiggall-Lazarus added: “I have been discussing with operators what kind of product is becoming popular in Quebec. This includes individual flydrive, family stays at resort hotels with recreational facilities, activities for the over-45s and breaks in Montreal and Quebec.”
Some of the regions being primed for more UK interest include Charlevoix, the Laurentians and Saguenay-Lac Saint Jean, which can combine wildlife viewing with soft-adventure activities, resort stays and winter and summer events.
Wiggall-Lazarus’ first task will be to conduct an ARTAC agents’ educational to the province next month for 20 staff, followed by the launch of a training initiative with Ontario Tourism.
Quebec has also launched an accommodation brochure detailing its new grading system and both Quebec Province and Montreal have new Web sites. They are www.bonjour-quebec.com and www.montrealonline.com