Press Release: Tourisme Montréal Promises Insider Access with Five Local Experts

When it comes to guidance, we ask our friends.  When it comes to travel, we ask the locals.  Tourisme Montréal now combines the best of both these worlds, with their five new ‘Insiders’ – Montréalers who will show visitors what’s hot and happening throughout the city in the world of ‘arts and culture’, ‘epicurean life’, ‘gay life’, ‘nightlife’ and ‘girls’ getaways’.

The ‘Insiders’, selected for their expertise in their respective field, will be sharing their passion and love for the city online, where everyone can reach them.  Each ‘Insider’ will be actively exploring the city and regularly updating their blog on the Tourisme Montréal website with their latest adventures.  Visitors can also ‘friend’ them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and check out their videos on YouTube.  Coupled with this, if inquisitive travellers have any specific questions, these gurus are poised to give bespoke answers in virtual real-time.

Summer is the perfect season to visit Montréal, the “most European city in North America” and thanks to this new initiative, it has never been easier for travellers to learn from five friends ‘on the inside’ about the latest local buzz.

We hope visitors will fully exploit this and turn to our ‘Insiders’ to take them behind the scenes and through the streets of our sophisticated city.  Whether it’s history, culture, festivals, museums, the best restaurants, underground DJs – or even underground shopping! – Montréal’s offerings are as diverse as its visitors.

The city also offers great value options throughout the year with its Sweet Deals and getting there is easy with plenty of air travel options.  For more information on Montréal’s new ‘Insiders’, Sweet Deals or to customise an itinerary visit: www.tourisme-montreal.org.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Here’s the lowdown on the Five Local “Insider” Experts:

Arts and Culture Insider: Daviel Lazure Vieira
Daviel is a writer, critic, columnist and editor for various newspapers and magazines, including EnRoute and Urbania. Daviel is your “go-to guy” for the latest information about art openings, exhibits, concerts and whatever it takes to satisfy your cultural curiosity.

Visit Daviel’s blog: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Blogs/Arts-And-Culture

Become Daviel’s friend on Facebook: Daviel Lazure Vieira

Follow Daviel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daviel_LV

Epicurean Life Insider: Katerine Rollet

Katerine has been an actress for fifteen years but she’s definitely not a “starving artist.”  She calls herself a “galloping gourmet” and is constantly combing the streets of Montréal so you always know what’s cookin’. 

Visit Katerine’s blog: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Blogs/Epicurean-Life

Become Katerine’s friend on Facebook: Katerine Rollet 

Follow Katerine on Twitter: http://twitter.com/katerinerollet

Gay Life Insider: Daniel Baylis

Daniel’s definition of “gay” is simply “in style.”  He is a blogger, translator, print journalist and columnist.  He’s sure to report on all that is incredible and provocative.

Visit Daniel’s blog: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Blogs/Gay-Life

Become Daniel’s friend on Facebook: Daniel Baylis

Follow Daniel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daniel_Baylis

Nightlife Insider: Brendan Murphy

Brendan has ten years experience as a music columnist and reviewer in print and on the Web.  He loves music and certainly knows Montréal’s nightlife.  Brendan will take you underground and beyond the velvet ropes.

Visit Brendan’s blog: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Blogs/Nightlife

Become Brendan’s friend on Facebook: Brendan Murphy

Follow Brendan on Twitter: http://twitter.com/freeMurphy

Girls’ Getaway Insider: Tamy Emma Pepin

Tamy is a journalist, as well as a television and WebTV hostess…but more importantly, she’s your girl!  Whether it’s finding the most fabulous pair of pumps or a chic spot for martinis, Tamy’s got the secret.

Visit Tamy’s blog: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Blogs/Girls-Getaway

Become Tamy’s friend on Facebook: Tamy Emma Pepin

Follow Tamy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TamyEmmaPepin

Recruitment of the five ‘Insiders’ began early in 2009 and the selection criterion was rigorous and focused on integrity.  Each had to be a Montréaler and possess a thorough knowledge of the destination, specifically in their area of “Insider” expertise.  Each had to be social media savvy and be able to embrace the Web 2.0 values including: transparency, humility, honesty, authenticity, innovation, listening and credibility.  They had to be top-notch communicators, real and representative of the city’s underlying multicultural fabric. 

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.