This text is part of the special Business Tourism booklet
Gaspésie: Percé, future convention city
The municipality of Percé is working on the incubation of a major heritage and economic development project which provides for the conversion of the Saint-Michel church, as well as two other buildings of heritage interest — the Pratto and the former cold store — in a cultural and convention space. The church building has been looking for a new vocation for several years in order to ensure its sustainability.
The City hopes that in the long term, the three buildings will constitute “an events campus in the center of Percé to host corporate events and other special groups, creating a unique convention-getaway formula”. The spaces will be able to accommodate more or less large conventions, as well as smaller business meetings, the delegates then benefiting from all the tourist attractions of Percé, and this, during the four seasons. The objective is to work in partnership with the tourist industry already established in Percé, such as accommodation, restaurants and activities, in order to generate an economic activity different from that which the city already knows.
Laurentians: StoneHaven Le Manoir becomes Relais & Châteaux
Recently renovated, the establishment located in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is recognized for its excellence both in terms of accommodation — 51 unique rooms and suites — and gastronomy. “We are delighted that StoneHaven Le Manoir is joining the large Relais & Châteaux family. We share the same values and the same vision of providing a delicious and authentic journey,” says its general manager, Marie-Josée Denis.
Reopened in 2019, StoneHaven is spread over 140 acres and offers breathtaking views of Lac des Sables. This affiliation also recognizes the Manoir’s gastronomic offer. Indeed, we find behind the stoves chef Éric Gonzalez, a lover of Quebec who makes sure to use and shine local products and who has passed through the greatest French tables before coming to perfect his art in the Belle Province. For companies, the establishment offers several rooms allowing the organization of medium-sized meetings in a warm setting and banquets and cocktail parties that can accommodate up to 200 people in its Italian garden.
The Manoir StoneHaven becomes the third hotel establishment in Quebec to be part of the very select Relais & Châteaux family, after the Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City and the Manoir Hovey in North Hatley.
Charlevoix: Escape while teleworking
The generalization of teleworking opens up new possibilities, such as being able to leave the city to work while taking advantage of the best the regions have to offer. In Charlevoix, the tourism industry has understood this well and is multiplying the places combining tranquility and amenities that promote telework. Thus, several establishments offer shared workspaces with an exploded design and comfortably furnished, such as Le Massif de Charlevoix, La Procure and the Auberge de nos aïeux. Ideal places to end the day in style by breathing in the fresh air during a pleasant walk in the forest, enjoying an afternoon at the museum, relaxing in a spa in the evening and enjoying a weekend memorable to discover the jewels of the region.
Charlevoix is also recognized for its exceptional terroir. Passionate producers and restaurateurs thrill the taste buds of the most gourmet with high quality products. As for the agritourism circuit, the Charlevoix Flavor Route, it highlights the talent of chefs, producers and processors in addition to offering an epicurean adventure. Enough to bring the motivation and creativity of teleworkers back to their peak.
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean: Stimulating the revival of business tourism
The Lac-Saint-Jean Convention Bureau designed a five-year action plan this fall to adapt and develop its service offering in order to stimulate the arrival of events in Lac-Saint-Jean. “Although events and business meetings must take place taking into account health rules, recent government announcements are encouraging the revival of business tourism and our destination intends to be proactive among all Quebec regions and cities,” says Michaël Sheehy, business tourism advisor for the Convention Bureau.
Lac-Saint-Jean offers more than 1,000 rooms and 125 business meeting places, including three convention centers located in the towns of Alma, Roberval and Saint-Félicien. The region is banking on its assets to attract business people, insisting on the fact that in addition to being able to work in one of the most beautiful settings in the province, they will have the chance to discover tourist attractions unique and enjoy lush nature.