The World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED) announced the signing of an important agreement with Tourisme Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Quebec, with the goal of implementing its System of Measures for Excellence in Destinations in the north-west Quebec destination.

This agreement was officially confirmed by Mr. Jocelyn Carrier, President of Tourisme Abitibi-Temiscamingue, and Mr. Andre Vallerand, President of the CED, in the presence of Ms. Randa Napky, Director-general of Tourisme Abitibi-Temiscamingue, and Dr. Cesar Castaneda Vazquez del Mercado, CED Director of Operations.

This agreement aims to establish a tourism profile of the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region, to assist it in gauging itself to face international competition, while facilitating the attainment of its objectives in sustainable development. The SMED also aims to improve the quality of the experience offered to tourists and to strengthen the geographical character of a region as a tourist destination (environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, well-being of the residents, etc.) while strategically identifying major issues facing tourist destinations around the world.

“This agreement with the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region is the second in Canada. We are delighted to share with destinations of our host country the international experience acquired in the four years of operation of the CED”, said Mr. Andre Vallerand, President of the CED. “To date, more than a dozen destinations worldwide have already been evaluated by the SMED. Several others have expressed their interest in signing an agreement with the CED.”

“The tourism industry stakeholders of Abitibi-Temiscamingue chose to take the lead in positioning themselves among the best. With this agreement, our destination development model will be the most avant-garde in terms of sustainability on the planet. It is with great pride and a strong desire for change that we engage in this approach that will advance us to a higher level“, expressed Mr. Carrier, President of Tourisme Abitibi-Temiscamingue.

With its headquarters located in Montreal, the CED began operations in February 2007. The CED has signed partnership agreements with Canada Economic Development for the Quebec regions, the Ministere du Tourisme du Quebec and the Ministere des Affaires Municipales et des Regions du Quebec.