The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières will enhance its profile and visibility internationally

Government of Canada awards $600,000 in financial assistance to the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières to commercialize the event outside Quebec over the next three years

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC, Aug. 13, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for economic diversification at the national and regional levels. The Government of Canada's investment in cultural and sports events is an effective way to support actions that generate substantial economic and media spinoff in the regions in which the events are held.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of International Trade, announced that the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières Inc. (GP3R) has been granted $200,000 in financial assistance for each of the three upcoming years to promote the event outside Quebec, more specifically, in Canada, the United States, Europe and South America.

The non-repayable contribution totalling $600,000 was awarded through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP). The Government of Canada funding will go toward the services of a specialized international firm that will commercialize the GP3R through media placements covering 150 countries, which is expected to increase the number of spectators from outside Quebec. The contribution will also be used to conduct an attendance survey and an economic benefit study.

Founded in 1967, the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières is the biggest annual tourism event in Trois-Rivières. In 2016, it drew some 70,000 spectators (who accessed the site nearly 200,000 times). Around 1,000 spectators came from outside Quebec.

Quotes

"Commercialization of the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières abroad is excellent news for the regional tourism industry and local businesses that benefit directly from the economic spinoff from this flagship event."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of International Trade

"This project will position the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières as a major auto racing event recognized by racing fans around the world and will help consolidate Trois-Rivières's reputation, as well as that of the entire Mauricie region, as a premier tourism destination."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières has been showcasing our city and our region, as well as the whole of Canada, for 50 years. We are proud of our 1,200 volunteers, who have helped put us on the map of great destinations. This Government of Canada investment will encourage us to work even harder to continue to be a source of pride for all Canadians."

Dominic Fugère, Director General, Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières

Quick facts

• In 2016, total tourism spending related to the GP3R was $6.7M.
• Support for the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières is the result of a collaboration among the governments of Canada and Quebec and the City of Trois-Rivières.
• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• For more information on CED's key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• The Canadian tourism industry employs more than 1.7 million people across the nation.
• Through the New Tourism Vision, the Government is taking action to improve Canadian marketing, access and product—all with the clear goal of increasing the total number of visitors to Canada.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]