MONTRÉAL, JANUARY 24, 2011 – The World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED) announced today the signing of an important agreement with Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Québec, with the goal of implementing its System of Measures for Excellence in Destinations in the north-west Québec destination.
This agreement was officially confirmed today by Mr. Jocelyn Carrier, President of Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Mr. André Vallerand, President of the CED, in the presence of Ms. Randa Napky, Director-general of Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Dr. César Castañeda Vázquez del Mercado, CED Director of Operations.
This agreement aims to establish a tourism profile of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, to assist it in gauging itself to face international competition, while facilitating the attainment of its objectives in sustainable development. The SMED also aims to improve the quality of the experience offered to tourists and to strengthen the geographical character of a region as a tourist destination (environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, well-being of the residents, etc.) while strategically identifying major issues facing tourist destinations around the world.
“This agreement with the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region is the second in Canada. We are delighted to share with destinations of our host country the international experience acquired in the four years of operation of the CED”, said Mr. André Vallerand, President of the CED. “To date, more than a dozen destinations worldwide have already been evaluated by the SMED. Several others have expressed their interest in signing an agreement with the CED.”
“The tourism industry stakeholders of Abitibi-Témiscamingue chose to take the lead in positioning themselves among the best. With this agreement, our destination development model will be the most avant-garde in terms of sustainability on the planet. It is with great pride and a strong desire for change that we engage in this approach that will advance us to a higher level“, expressed Mr. Carrier, President of Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
With its headquarters located in Montréal, the CED began operations in February 2007. The CED has signed partnership agreements with Canada Economic Development for the Quebec regions, the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec and the Ministère des Affaires Municipales et des Régions du Québec.
About the CED
The CED is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and creation of tools to support the development of sustainable tourism for destinations around the world. In performing its mission, the CED executes and further develops the tasks of the Destinations Council and other departments of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It does so by adding value and expertise to the policies and innovative practices concerning tourist destination management. The UNWTO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with 153 member states and some 300 associate members from the tourism industry.
About Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue is the privileged interlocutor of the Government of Québec for tourism in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Its primary mandate is the promotion of the region outside its borders and the coordination of tourism development.
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Source: World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED)
Information: Dr. César Castañeda Vázquez del Mercado, Director of Operations – CED
Media: Nathalie Laberinto, World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED)
(+1) 514-871-1115 (ext. 226)
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