Travel destinations compete for vacation dollars at show
About 80 countries have gathered shoulder to shoulder at Place Bonaventure, but each is trying to stand out from the other. It’s time for the fifth annual International Tourism and Travel show, where tourism offices, tour operators, travel agencies and hotels all do their best to persuade Montrealers to travel abroad.
Last year’s show attracted about 50,000 visitors. Spokesmen for the show said yesterday it is tough to put a dollar value on the business done there, but they estimate the industry does about 10 per cent of its business during the show. They said it’s hard to calculate how many trips are booked after the show, because many people think about what they saw and make their travel bookings later.
Visitors can gather information about trips ranging from traditional getaways in Florida to more exotic excursions to places such as French Guyana. Those wanting to stay closer to home can also find information about vacations in Quebec.
The show is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., today and tomorrow, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults and $3.50 for children.
