Outaouais Tourism launches its Winter 2017 tourism campaign in the heart of Gatineau Park

_ (Via Outaouais Tourism) _ ** Outaouais, January 20, 2017 ** – Outaouais Tourism unveiled its winter tourist season marketing initiatives at a gathering at the Gatineau Park Visitors' Centre. As part of the presentation, attendees were encouraged to try out cross-country skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing on test tracks near the Centre, accompanied by organizers from the Canadian Ski Marathon, the Gatineau Loppet and the Festival Duhamel en raquette. “In the Outaouais, we are incredibly lucky to have so many wide open spaces, facilities and events where we can get out and enjoy winter,” said Manuela Teixeira, president of Outaouais Tourism’s board of directors. “There’s something for everyone, from casual recreational activities to world-class sport competitions.”

At the launch, William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, invited residents and visitors to take full advantage of the region’s many tourist attractions. “The Outaouais is a gigantic natural playground,” he commented. “Discovering the richness of Gatineau Park is a must during Canada’s 150th anniversary year.”

As the steward of Gatineau Park, the NCC is proud to offer one of the most impressive networks of winter trails in North America,” said Dr. Mark Kristmanson, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “With 2.7 million visits per year, the Park is the number one tourist attraction, as well as one of the biggest economic drivers in the region.”

Focus on cross-country skiing, family fun and entertainment

The winter component of the annual marketing campaign is valued at just over $220,000, and involves 40 regional tourism partners. Again this year, cross-country skiing is prominently featured. “Our marketing campaign is all about outdoor fun in the Outaouais,” said France Bélisle, Outaouais Tourism general manager, adding that “the campaign also promotes family fun, outdoor activities, culture and entertainment.”

 [
  Pour reprendre les paroles de @pete_go_pro, c'est beau l'#hiver! Isn't #winter beautiful? 📸: @pete_go_pro #snow #neige #outaouais #outaouaisfun #explorecanada #quebecoriginal
 ](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPdfGWYhrYR/)

 A photo posted by Tourisme Outaouais (@outaouais) on
 
  Jan 19, 2017 at 1:16pm PST

Marketing efforts will be concentrated in the Montreal and Ottawa areas. They include:

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A continuing partnership with Télé-Québec, in the form of a family-oriented contest, “You Could Be the Outaouais' Star Family,” aired during the network's Ciné-Cadeau holiday movie programming

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Integration of content in traditional media:

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  Live Outaouais weather forecasts and Plein air reports by Marcel Bouchard on TVA's Salut, Bonjour! week-end morning show
 
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  Features on TVA Sports' Du Haut des Airs outdoor documentary series
 
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  Editorial in Coup de Pouce lifestyle magazine
 
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  Video clips by reporter and blogger Marie Julie Gagnon posted on the Coup de Pouce website
 


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An improved VIP package offering visitors a $50 discount on their second room night and a free day pass to Gatineau Park

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Outaouais Challenges, winter version, inviting visitors to tackle various exciting physical challenges

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Four online video pre-rolls

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Web banners and online marketing (SEM)

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A new cross-country skiing and cycling brochure with trail maps

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A content strategy including Outaouais Tourism blog posts, videos, photos and editorial content

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Video promotions on social media

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Press tours and partnerships with Web influencers

The objective of the winter marketing campaign is to encourage visitors to discover and enjoy the region’s many winter attractions, and plan to return for the Gatineau 2017 festivities.

About Outaouais Tourism

Outaouais Tourism is a private, not-for-profit organization created by and for the tourism industry 35 years ago. A preferred contact and partner of the Quebec government in the tourism field, Outaouais Tourism contributes to the region’s economic development by coordinating regional tourism plans and projects, visitor services, information, marketing and development.