By
Rebecca Gibson |
Québec’s government is to invest C$7,625,000 to enhance St Lawrence’s position as an international cruise destination.
During a visit to Saguenay, Canada on 31 October, Minister of Tourism Pascal Bérubé outlined plans to donate C$5.9 million to the Cruise Strategy Assistance Program. This scheme will allow Tourisme Québec to support the priority projects of cruise tourism infrastructure in six ports including Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Gaspésie and the Magdalen Islands.
In addition, Cruise Association of St Lawrence (ACSL) will be given a total of C$1,725,000 between 2013 and 2016 to implement its action plan, receiving C$500,000 in 2013-2014, C$600,000 between 2014-2015 and C$625,000 in 2015 to 2016.
The cost of this plan, which focuses on improving support in ports of call, attracting international cruise lines and enhancing the quality services at destinations, will total C$6 million.
“By international standards, the St Lawrence is still a young cruise destination and as its fame grows, the quality of the tourism experience must also increase to ensure it progresses in the context of global industry where competition is more intense,” said Bérubé. “To promote the growth of this industry and ensure its sustainability, as well as to benefit from the substantial investments, it is imperative the government continues its support. I am proud to confirm the ACSL increased financial support will unfold over a period of three years.”
On October 17, Bérubé also outlined a C$63.7 million investment, donated as part of the Priority Employment Economic Policy, which recognises the development of St Lawrence as a key factor in the development of Québec’s tourism sector.
“These major contributions will sustain and maintain ACSL’s current momentum, enabling Destination St Lawrence to reach an important stage of growth,” said Priscilla Nemey, president of ACSL.
The investment will also enable Tourisme Québec to implement its Development Plan 2012-2020, which aims to support the international cruise ports and market the St Lawrence as an important cruise destination.