The Quebec population knows that the tourism industry is important for the economic dynamism of Quebec, according to a Léger survey commissioned by the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec. This is why the organization is asking parties in the election campaign to present their vision for the future of this sector, which has suffered greatly from the pandemic.
“It’s a big surprise that we didn’t talk about that,” comments Martin Soucy, President and CEO of the Alliance.
The web survey conducted among 1,001 adults last June concluded that 81% of Quebecers believe it is important “to invest in the tourism industry to promote the socio-economic development of the regions of Quebec”. Moreover, 91% of respondents believe that it contributes somewhat or very significantly to “the economic vitality of Quebec and its regions”.
“We are helping to keep people and local businesses in the region. It affects transportation, agriculture, hotels, restaurants, attractions,” said Mr. Soucy, adding that provincial support is necessary for Quebec to remain competitive with the rest of the world.
What niches do the parties aspiring to power want to prioritize? The CEO mentions the idea of further developing winter tourism, creating more circuits for nature and adventure tourism, as well as connecting producers with good restaurants in Quebec to encourage tourism. greedy.
“We don’t want subsidies, but stimulation elements to create tourist experiences that will make Quebec attractive several times in the lives of travellers,” said Mr. Soucy.
According to him, public transportation, including the bus and the train, must be developed throughout the territory. “Wouldn’t it take a high-speed train rather than a high-frequency train?” “, he wonders, stressing that the infrastructures intended for tourists also benefit local populations.
It would also be desirable to act with targeted measures against the labor shortage. It proposes tax measures to promote the return of retired workers and work-study programs to ensure succession.
The Alliance represents approximately 10,000 businesses in the province, out of the 25,000 that work in tourism.