Cruise the Saint Lawrence applauds Québec focus on sustainable tourism

Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx announced a sustainable development initiative to enhance Québec’s position as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The primary thrusts of the action plan are in keeping with Cruise the Saint Lawrence's own Sustainable Development Strategy.

Support for restructuring and innovation

'The announcement by Minister Proulx will provide support for tourism-based companies and member ports in restructuring visitor attractions and greeting protocols, enhancing economic benefits and reducing sectoral impact on climate change,' Cruise the Saint Lawrence said. 'Planned action will also help the tourism industry innovate and ensure sustainability going forward, while preserving a workable footprint for host communities.'

Cruise the Saint Lawrence's own strategy is consistent with the Ministry of Tourism's five focal points. The association's plan was developed around four key thrusts, 12 goals and more than 30 projects scheduled for implementation over the coming five years.

Four thrusts

These four thrusts are: Dialogue: Be involved, foster dialogue and create strategic alliances. Value: Create shared value with local communities and industry players. Visitor experience: Situate the passenger at the heart of a responsible, visitor-based experience. Climate: Reduce, to the maximum extent possible, cruise industry impact on climate change and protect host community ecosystems.

In parallel with implementation of this strategy, Cruise the Saint Lawrence plans to introduce sanitary measures intended to ensure cruising is one of the safest, securest means of travel. 

Founded in 2000, Cruise the Saint Lawrence represents Montréal, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands. Supporting partners are Tourism Québec, Québec Tourism Industry Alliance and Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada.