/R E P E A T -- Grands Prix du tourisme for the Montréal region - The 28th edition shines a spotlight on performance, transcendence and excellence!/

MONTRÉAL, April 2, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Grands Prix du tourisme for the Montréal region were awarded tonight to 14 local tourism industry organizations and professionals in recognition of their outstanding performance, innovation, marketing and management practices. Organized by Tourisme Montréal, this highly-anticipated industry gala was attended by a number of high-profile figures, such as Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre and Suzanne Giguère, deputy minister for Tourism.

To music provided by DJ Abeille, the evening was hosted by none other than Olympic medalist Alexandre Despatie. It should come as no surprise, then, that performance, transcendence and excellence emerged as the themes of this 28^th edition of the gala, which rewards the outstanding efforts of businesses operating in the tourism sector. The evening included a cocktail reception and a surprise performance, in addition to some prime networking opportunities.

"Discipline, ambition, passion – these are the three key ingredients for success in sport as well as in business. To reach the top of the podium, you need vision and courage," Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal told the assembled guests. "Fortunately, many people in our local tourism industry possess those qualities and, like me, they care a great deal about Montréal and its development."

The Tourism Personality of the Year Award went to Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and chef/owner of Restaurant Toqué!, Normand Laprise. In his tribute speech, Michel Archambault, interim president of Tourisme Montréal's Board of Directors, praised the chef/owner's exceptional work in promoting the province's gastronomy and its unique local products. Over the years, the passion and creativity demonstrated by Chef Laprise have drawn multitudes of local and international gourmets to the city. A benchmark for other chefs, his cuisine has transcended borders and helped put Montréal on the map as an internationally acclaimed gourmet destination.

Montréal regional winners now have the opportunity to become finalists at the Grands Prix du tourisme québécois gala this coming May 13 in Laval. The provincial jury will select Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in 19 categories, in addition to awarding the prestigious provincial title of Tourism Personality of the Year.

2014 Grands Prix du tourisme Winners for the Montréal region:

Tourist attractions – 100,000 and more visitors, presented by the Montréal Casino
Space for Life

Tourist attractions – between 25,000 and 100,000 visitors, presented by Ivanhoé Cambridge
McCord Museum

Tourist attractions – less than 25,000 visitors, presented by the Journal de Montréal
Cité historia

Ecotourism and adventure tourism, presented by SMITH
Montréal Fishing Tours

Accommodation – 40 to 149 units, presented by the Palais des congrès de Montréal
Ritz Carlton Montréal

Human resources – emerging tourism professional
Angèle Vermette – Guidatour

Human resources – tourism supervisor
Sabrina Poiré – Sofitel Montréal Golden Mile

Tourism Personality of the Year 2014
Normand Laprise, Grand Chef Relais et Châteaux
Chef/owner, Restaurant Toqué!

Tourism services, presented by Aéroports de Montréal
Canadian Maple Delights

Festivals and tourism events – operating budget of between $300,000 and $1 million, presented by Sid Lee
MURAL International Public Art Festival

Festivals and tourism events – operating budget of more than $1 million, presented by Air Canada
Montréal International Mosaicultures 2013

Festivals and tourism events – operating budget of more than $1 million (special jury mention)
Festival International Nuits d'Afrique

Honourable mention, Environmental responsibility – business with less than 100 employees
Hôtel de l'Institut

Honourable mention, Environmental responsibility – business with 100 employees and more
Fashion & Design Festival

In compliance with Tourisme Montréal's overall green approach, this gala evening was classified as an environmentally responsible event for the third consecutive year, and aims to achieve BNQ 9700-253 level 3 certification. 

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, please visit www.tourisme-Montréal.org.

SOURCE: Tourisme Montréal

Alexandra Graveline, Manager - Corporate Public Relations, Tourisme Montréal, 514 844-3558, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]