Montréal takes top spot in North America for hosting international association meetings

MONTREAL, May 13, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - After finishing first in North America for hosting the most international association meetings in 2012, Montréal once again has claimed top honours. According to the 2013 Country and City rankings from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the city took first place for a second consecutive year, ahead of other major urban centres, including Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington D.C., San Diego, and Chicago.

This ranking is the result of the combined efforts of the Palais des congrès de Montréal, its Ambassadors, and Tourisme Montréal, as well as of the collaboration of numerous partners. Montréal's leading position reflects its ability to meet the needs of large-scale international associations with regards to infrastructure, hospitality, and entertainment.

As the city's main venue for large meetings, the Palais des congrès attracts thousands of business travelers each year, confirming its position as a leader in North America's tourism industry. For the 2013-14 annual period, more than 37,000 participants took part in international meetings, generating over $82 million for Montréal and the province of Québec. Overall, 71 international events were held in Montréal in 2013.

"More excellent news for the city! Our destination has an undeniable power of attraction, and the Palais des congrès possesses major advantages that make it the ideal venue at which to hold larger international meetings," says Raymond Larivée, CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès. "The colossal work done not only by the Palais des congrès and its Ambassadors, but also by Tourisme Montréal, local hotels, Aéroports de Montréal, and other partners is paying off, and our collective actions are generating results such as the ones revealed today!"

"International meetings are of paramount importance for Montréal's vitality, both economically and in terms of influence abroad. This top spot in the ICCA ranking shows us Montréal's potential—a city that has everything necessary to classify as one of the world's major business centres," states Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. "We are delighted by these positive results, which inspire us to work even harder, and in concert with our various partners, to further attract international meetings to Montréal."

For the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the Palais des congrès welcomed a total of 25 international meetings^[1] and 17 Canadian meetings^[2], generating close to $161 million in economic spinoffs for the city.

_____________________
^[1] Including American meetings.
^[2] Including Québec meetings.

About the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
ICCA represents the main specialists in organizing, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events. It comprises over 1000 member companies and organisations in 90 countries worldwide.

For more information, visit: www.iccaworld.com.

About the Palais des congrès de Montréal
The mission of the Palais des congrès de Montréal is to attract and host conventions, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events. A public institution with a commercial vocation, the Palais generates major economic spinoffs for Québec and has contributed proudly for nearly 30 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination.

For more information, visit: www.congresmtl.com.

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the "Montréal" destination on leisure and business travel markets. It is also responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with the ever-changing conditions of the market.

For more information, visit www.tourisme-montreal.org.

SOURCE: Palais des congrès de Montréal

Sources: Tourisme Montréal and Palais des congrès de Montréal

For further information: 

Jimmy Laforge
Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs
Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal
[email protected]
Tel.: [phone]

Alexandra Graveline
Manager - Corporate Public Relations
Tourisme Montréal
[email protected]
Tel.: [phone]