The Grands Prix du tourisme Desjardins – Celebrating Excellence

Sherbrooke, March 30, 2007 – This evening, about 250 people attended the 22nd edition of the Eastern Townships awards ceremony, the Grands Prix du tourisme Desjardins des Cantons-de-l’Est, at the Hôtel Chéribourg in Orford. The winners were announced at a festive “5 à 7” with the theme “Destination excellence” and hosted by Honorary President Jocelyn Carrier, President of ATR Associées du Québec.

The prestigious title of Tourism Person of the Year was awarded to Adèle Girard by the Tourism Eastern Townships board of directors. Ms. Girard worked for 15 years at Jouvence and has been Executive Director of the Quebec Tourism Human Resource Council (CQRHT) since 1996. She has also been a member of the Conseil des partenaires de l’industrie touristique since it was established.

“For more than 25 years, Ms. Girard has been a major influence with her dynamic and inspiring leadership style in promoting the field of human resources. She is recognized for her intellectual integrity and visionary qualities, along with her communication skills and colourful sense of humour,” said Jacques Robidas, outgoing President of Tourism Eastern Townships.

Fourteen regional winners were selected from 34 exceptional candidates by a jury chaired by Jocelyna Dubuc, President of Spa Eastman and last year’s Tourism Person of the Year winner. The jury also selected two “People’s Choice” awards. Bleu Lavande received the innovation prize for its original marketing activities and product distribution methods. A Public’s Choice award for labour-employee relations was also presented to the Delta Sherbrooke Hotel and Conference Centre for their exemplary developments in labour relations. By involving employees in service delivery and through successful strategies, the Delta achieved major results and reduced their number of grievances to 0.

Led by Jean-Claude Germain, renowned theatre personality and historian, the awards ceremony featured a number of distinguished individuals who revealed the 14 regional winners in their respective categories:

Lodging – Four- and Five-star establishments
Auberge & SPA West Brome, West Brome

Lodging – Three-star (and under) establishments
Les Victorines du Lac, Lac-Mégantic

Lodging – Tourist accommodations
Au Murmures du Vallon, Sawyerville

Lodging – Bed & Breakfasts
Marquis de Montcalm Luxury B&B and Spa, Sherbrooke

Lodgings – Camping
Camping de Compton

Restaurant – Tourism development
Auberge & SPA West Brome, West Brome

Tourist Attraction – 100 000 visitors and over
Granby Zoo

Tourist festivals and events – Operating budget of less than $1 M
Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt

Tourist festivals and events – Operating budget of $1 M or more
La Fête du Lac des Nations, Sherbrooke

Agrotourism and regional products
Vignoble de l’Orpailleur – ÉCONOMUSÉE de la vigne et du vin de Dunham

Recreational and outdoor activities
Skibromont.com, Bromont

Tourist services
Les Productions Traces et Souvenances, Sherbrooke

Human resources – Tourism employee
Pierre Blanchard, Office du tourisme de Granby

Human resources – Tourism supervisor
Francine Gouin, Skibromont.com

The quality of submissions recognized at the regional level gives Tourism Eastern Townships hope of once again figuring prominently in the Gala des Grands Prix nationaux (province-wide gala) on May 4 in Quebec City. Over the last three years, the region has received 16 provincial awards – a record in Quebec. With these results, the Eastern Townships region can boast being THE destination of excellence in Quebec.
Source:
Danie Béliveau
Media relations
819 820-2020 / 1-866-963-2020
db@atrce.com