Press Release: Montréal becomes the first city in the world to release a National Geographic Society Geotourism MapGuide

This month Montréal became the first major city in the world to release an urban Geotourism MapGuide, developed in cooperation with the Montréal community.  Bearing the seal of the National Geographic Society, which has long promoted responsible tourism, the MapGuide is set to raise Montréal’s profile and increase its impact on the world stage. It holds great value for the destination pointing to the city’s good practices in sustainable cultural tourism.

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 an exceptional tool for the destination highlighting the quality of activities and attractions in Montréal.

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 the city’s tourism outreach.

An electronic version of the MapGuide is available to view at www.montrealgeo.com and for more information on Montréal visit the award winning site: www.tourisme-montreal.org.

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ENDS

For more information, please contact Brando:

Maleena Pone       maleena@brando-world.com              020 7419 7320

Ivana Zecevic         Ivana@brando-world.com                 020 7419 7313

Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the 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.