On November 6, 2024, over 120 tourism enthusiasts gathered for a rewarding annual event, where an authentic and bold program highlighted accessible and innovative digital tools.
The day began with the traditional report on the summer tourism traffic to the destination, presented by Michel Bonato, General Manager of Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine. He also shared insights from the end-of-stay survey as well as from a survey conducted among local tourism businesses.
Following this, Nathalie Blouin and Marie-Eve Lagacé from Québec maritime delivered a crucial presentation on the importance of establishing an online reservation system, not only to enhance business visibility but also to reap the benefits of online presence—an essential subject in an increasingly connected world. This intervention underscored the undeniable strength of distribution networks, especially for businesses aiming to reach markets beyond Quebec.
After a delicious meal, the afternoon took a decidedly technological turn with an inspiring presentation on artificial intelligence, led by Pierre Bellerose of the AI and Tourism Group. This session opened new horizons for the participants, exploring how AI can transform and simplify business management while addressing key challenges.
A local entrepreneur was invited to share her personal experience with AI, dispelling some concerns and showing that it's a valuable tool accessible to everyone.
Following lively discussions during the break, the MTLab workshop, led by Nina Faget as part of the Québec tour of the AI and Tourism Group, allowed participants to take a critical and constructive look at the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into tourism and professional contexts. The discussions were open and enriching, providing a clear vision of the industry's future prospects.
The outcome of this edition of the Tourism Day is undeniable: an inspiring success marked by rich exchanges, engaged participation, and palpable enthusiasm. The future of tourism is in good hands—those of passionate, innovative individuals with a resolute focus on the future.
