Tourisme Outaouais and Université du Québec en Outaouais partner to boost business tourism

Sophie Demers

Tourisme Outaouais and the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) are coming together to attract business events to the region. This new strategic partnership aims to bring national and international business conferences to the Outaouais and boost business tourism.

More business events would generate more overnight stays, support local businesses and make Outaouais more visible on the national stage. The partnership also hopes to foster exchange, develop collaborations, and contribute to the area's intellectual and scientific sector.

“This agreement marks an important milestone for the development of business tourism in the Outaouais,” said Geneviève Latulippe, President and CEO of Tourism Outaouais. “By joining forces with UQO, we are increasing our ability to attract national and international events and to boost their tourism and economic impact for the region throughout the year. This collaboration positions the Outaouais as a strategic and competitive business destination.”

Tourism Outaouais has committed to providing support to the UQO faculty who are active in their field of study. This support includes financial assistance for applications, travel for outreach, and participation in networking opportunities. The organization will also provide strategic support by finding potential events and preparing application packages. Tourisme Outaouais can offer this support as they received a $1.5 million grant to increase business tourism in Gatineau and the Outaouais from the Ministry of Tourism.

UQO will mobilize their network of faculty to identify event opportunities. The university will leverage their institutional network and provide a platform for Tourisme Outaouais to introduce conference attendees to local tourist attractions and experiences.

“This logistical and financial support from Tourisme Outaouais will be a key driver in continuing to raise the profile of our faculty and expand UQO’s national and international reach,” said Murielle Laberge, UQO Rector. “By reducing the administrative burden associated with attracting major conferences and conventions, we will enable UQO researchers to focus on what matters most: fostering scientific dialogue across borders, positioning our university and our region as a major hub within various research networks, and strengthening our role as a key socio-economic player in the Outaouais.”