Government of Canada Lends Financial Support to Commercialization of Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi

ROUYN-NORANDA, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 19, 2012) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces that the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi has been granted funding from the Government of Canada for the promotion of the event on international markets.

"By lending its financial support to the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its firm commitment to promoting the growth of tourism, a high-yield sector for the Quebec and Canadian economies," said Minister Lebel.

This funding will enable the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi to promote its 2012 and 2013 editions on European markets by undertaking public and media relations activities on the continent. Hosting foreign journalists in the region is also among the promotional activities planned.

The tourism industry occupies a place of key importance in the Canadian economy, generating employment and spinoffs that contribute to the vitality of communities in all regions of the country. That is why the Government of Canada recently adopted the National Tourism Strategy, a measure designed to promote Canada as prime tourist destination.

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This financial assistance, granted in the form of a $153,650 non-repayable contribution, has been awarded through the business performance component of Canada Economic Development's Quebec Economic Development Program.

For more on the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi, visit www.tourabitibi.qc.ca.

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