Gains maintained for the Îles de la Madeleine destination
Îles de la Madeleine, November 19, 2009 - In spite of difficult economic conditions and less-than-ideal weather in most Québec regions, the volume of tourist traffic in the Îles de la Madeleine remained stable in 2009.
Although there was a decrease in the tourist intake in May and June, Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine registered stable intakes in July and increased tourist traffic in August, September and October. A global compilation of statistics from marine gateways and airports shows a consistent number of incoming visitors. 46,500 visitors chose the Îles de la Madeleine as a holiday destination in 2009, exactly the same number as in the summer of 2008. This consistent influx makes itself felt in the tourist industry which, with its 1,400 jobs and over 50 million dollars in commercial benefits, is of utmost importance to the economy of the archipelago.
The fine, sunny weather that prevailed in the Islands (unlike the rest of Québec) during the 2009 summer season was a contributing factor, as were the Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine promotional campaign and, particularly, its shift to Web-based advertising. A number of televised publicity campaigns were run by Groupe CTMA and the tourist association, an on-line reservation system for maritime transport was installed, marketing campaigns were undertaken in the Maritime provinces, promotional campaigns were run outside Québec by Le Québec maritime and Tourisme Québec; but, most importantly, members of the industry and the general population are constantly at work to ensure that our visitors enjoy an authentic, unique, top-of-the-line product.
Lastly, various surveys that were run at the beginning of the season put the Îles de la Madeleine at the very top of the list: for the Québécois people, it is the most sought-after, best-loved holiday destination of all. The Léger Marketing survey in June 2009 rates the Îles de la Madeleine at the top of the travel intentions in Québec and the Alzheimer Society of Québec indicated that for most Québécois, the Îles de la Madeleine are the most memorable of all holiday spots. The constant presence of both print and television reporters on the Islands during the summer of 2009, the ongoing shift to Web services and upcoming television campaigns that will be funded by income generated under Bill 76 are all positive influences that let us anticipate the 2010 season with a great deal of optimism.
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Source :
Michel Bonato
Directeur général / General Manager
Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine
418-986-4841
