Quebec to Host Routes Americas Aviation Forum in 2019

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Routes Americas brings together airports, airlines, tourism authorities and governments to plan future air services. It moves to a new city every year to highlight different markets to the aviation industry's decision makers.

Founded in 1608 as part of the French colonial empire, Quebec is a port city with a unique blend of European and North American culture. Old Quebec is the only walled city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - its 400-year-old stone buildings and winding streets are remarkably well preserved.

The Quebec City metropolitan area has undergone exceptional economic growth in the last 25 years, reaching a total GDP of CAN$34.6 billion in 2016. It is the only Canadian region to experience such sustained growth, thanks to a highly diversified economy and booming service sector.

Routes Americas 2019 will be held during the largest winter festival in the world, Carnaval de Québec. An ice palace, ice sculptures, night parades and a canoe race are features of the celebration that has run every year since 1955. Winter in Quebec is also the time to see the Hôtel de Glace, North America's only ice hotel which has been visited by over one million people since it opened in 2001.

AQi, the managing organisation of Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), will host Routes Americas 2019. A major CAN$277 million expansion programme is currently transforming the airport and AQi is seeking new route opportunities.

President and CEO of AQi, Gaëtan Gagné said: "This is one of the aviation industry's biggest and most prestigious events. Hosting it will certainly help Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport to position its air services, and to improve the visibility and profile of the destination within North America.

"It's a unique opportunity to take a group of influential players from the global aviation industry and show them everything the Quebec City region has to offer. Routes Americas 2019 will position YQB as a world-class airport capable of rivalling the best in the industry."

Routes Americas 2017 in Las Vegas was attended by 830 delegates from 100 airlines, 260 airports and 40 tourism authorities, and Quebec can expect a similar gathering in 2019.

Steven Small, brand director of Routes said: "Quebec is a fascinating, historic city with a dynamic economy and exciting aviation opportunities supported by the growth plans of YQB. It is an ideal location for the first Canadian Routes Americas and we look forward to working with the highly professional team in Quebec."

More information about Routes events can be viewed at routesonline.com

Routes Americas 2019, Quebec City Convention Centre, February 2019, Quebec, Canada. 

Notes to Editors 

• Routes events are unique forums dedicated to the development of new air services. They revolve around pre-scheduled meetings, an exhibition and a conference. Three 'regional' route development forums are held between February and April in the Americas, Asia and Europe, with the flagship World Routes event taking place in September.

• Routes events are organised by UBM plc. UBM is the largest B2B event organiser in the world. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors. Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed. Please visit www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM. 

For further information contact:

Karen O'Neill
Communications & Content Marketing Manager
Routes, UBM EMEA
T: +44(0)161-234-2721
M: +44(0)796-6405-105
E: Karen.ONeill@ubm.com

Mathieu Claise
Communications and Public Relations Manager
Aéroport de Québec inc
T: +1-418-640-2700 ext. 2625
E: MClaise@YQB.ca