Montréal, June 15, 2009 – Tourisme Montréal is proud that Montréal is the first major city in the world to release an urban Geotourism MapGuide, developed in cooperation with the Montréal community. Tourisme Montréal would also like to acknowledge the significance of this gesture by the National Geographic Society for Québec’s metropolis. The National Geographic Society, a prestigious American organization, has long promoted responsible tourism. Recognizing Montréal as a geotourism city holds great value for the destination as it points to the city’s good practices in sustainable cultural tourism. Creating the MapGuide bearing the seal of the National Geographic Society will raise Montréal's profile and increase its impact on the world stage.

The concept of geotourism was developed by the National Geographic Society to promote the geographic character of a destination—its environment, culture, aesthetic appeal, heritage and the well-being of its inhabitants. The Geotourism MapGuide project is fully aligned with this definition and the principles of geotourism.

With the Geotourism MapGuide, Canadian and foreign tourists visiting Montréal will be able to choose a different route, one that reflects the choice of Montréalers. With local knowledge and a respect for the spirit of the sites incorporated into its design, the National Geographic Society’s geotourism map is another exceptional tool for our destination that will highlight quality activities and attractions in Montréal. An electronic version of the MapGuide is available as of today at www.montrealgeo.com.  

Tourisme Montréal wishes to thank a number of project participants: the National Geographic Society for recognizing Montréal in this remarkable manner and for this first Geotourism MapGuide; the City of Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine, whose involvement and financial support made this project possible; and the Montréal Geotourism Council, a committee made up of some 20 organizations that took active part in shaping the MapGuide.

Tourisme Montréal would also like to draw particular attention to the invaluable cooperation demonstrated by the entire Montréal community, its support, enthusiasm and outstanding dedication. The Geotourism MapGuide is unique in that its content was suggested and developed in collaboration with Montréal residents.

“The Geotourism MapGuide includes not only natural, cultural and historic attractions that are particularly indicative of the city’s heritage, but also local experiences that apply to us as Montréalers,” said Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Office of Tourisme Montréal. “It’s a great way to help protect and promote our assets! This map, which features over 100 attractions, also testifies to the affection Montréalers feel towards their city.”

Tourisme Montréal takes great pride in the completion of this geotourism map, a major milestone in an initiative that began with the signing of the Geotourism Charter in October 2007. This commitment, reflected today in the MapGuide, will be followed by other geotourism actions aimed at pursuing our destination’s tourism outreach.

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Source:
Pierre Bellerose
Vice President
Public Relations, Product Research and Development
Tourisme Montréal
514 844-2404