Incentive - November 2008 - (Page 38)

CANADA TRAVEL Toronto’s international flavor isn’t limited to French influence. Outdoor cafes like this pepper Little Italy, which is also joined by a Chinatown and Greek district, among others A man dressed in typical 17th-century attire signs a souvenir for festival-goers at one of the many sites set up around the historic district of Old Quebec minutes by foot, or a quick bus or taxi ride up. “You have access to all the major activities, from the marketplace, to all kinds of reenactments (this year we had the giant village, so we invited giants from Europe, with over 60 giants, which was a first in North America).” Aside from the festival, incentive travelers have access to countless restaurants, serving everything from traditional Quebecois dishes to international cuisines. Whether staying for the full week, or just two or three days, the New France Festival is just one of the many festivals held throughout Canada. There are a number of others in the Province of Quebec that draw incentive groups: the Montreal International Fireworks Competition in summer of 2009; “Just for Laughs,” the international comedy festival (à la Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Cosby), with shows in English July 16 to 26; the International Jazz Festival of Montreal; and the World Film Festival, August 27 to September 7. Incentive groups can take in the Toronto Jazz Festival, in Ontario, June 26 to July 5, in 2009, and the International Film Festival in Toronto, which takes place September 10 to 19. Looking further ahead, the Winter Olympics are slated for February 12 to 28, 2010, in Vancouver, B.C. But events are only part of the attraction of an incentive in Canada. Each city has its own appeal. Montreal offers a European flavor, an Old World ambience, says Jean-Paul de Lavison, president of JPdL Destination Management Company in Montreal. People tell him all the time, “I feel like I’m sitting in a café in Paris,” when in Old Montreal. And during festivals, the energy heightens. “The city is at its best [during festivals], says official language of Quebec Province, English is spoken everywhere, says Gazale. (English is the official language of the rest of Canada.) Incentive trips to Canada are often split between Montreal and Quebec City, with two nights in each city. “Quebec City is always a very popular destination because it’s like being in Europe without crossing the Atlantic Ocean,” says Hélène Pomerleau, director of meetings and incentive travel for Quebec City Tourism. Skiing, snowmobiling and dogsledding can be “It’s like being in Europe without crossing the Atlantic Ocean.” –Helene Pomerleau, Quebec City Tourism Laure Gazale, director of sales for JPdL, Montreal. “You can wander the streets and come across a festival. It’s like an outdoor party basically. The city’s abuzz. A lot of American celebrities come up here.” Although French is the part of a program until April. In addition, she says, Quebec City is safe, clean and hospitable. And, the exchange rate is once again favorable to the U.S. dollar. Pomerleau brought a group of 360 people from a U.S. 38 | Incentive | November 2008 | incentivemag.com http://www.incentivemag.com

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Incentive - November 2008 Editor’s Note Headlines Cover Story: Pop, Fizz! Incentive Interview Cracking the Recognition Code Primer Travel News Canada, City Style Potentials Here and Now Cameras: Picture of Innovation The Spirit of Giving Advertiser Index Last Word

Incentive - November 2008

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