Montreal Tourism & Travel Show: Highlights from a Journey-Inspiring Event

Highlights from the Event

From November 3 to 5, the show featured over 400 global exhibitors, showcasing diverse travel opportunities from exotic destinations to cultural and adventurous experiences. Highlights included expert-led workshops, live performances, and specialized zones for family travel, eco-tourism, and adventure.

A Day for Tourism Professionals at the Montreal International Tourism & Travel Show

This day offered an exclusive platform for networking, learning, and celebrating the latest trends in tourism.  Indonesia started the Pro Zone Day offering a typical Indonesian breakfast “The Bakso Meatball Soup”.  The bowl of Bakso consisted of the broth, meatballs, rice vermicelli, vegetables, tofu, bean sprouts and meat dumpling.  A good start!

Indonesia: A World of Wonders

Indonesia showcased its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and innovative tourism initiatives, aiming to attract more Canadians. Mr. Cecep Rukendi, Director of Tourism Marketing for the EMEAA region, expressed his privilege of being in Montreal and thanked attendees for joining the update on Indonesia's tourism. Since January, 58,000 Canadians have visited Indonesia, with an increase of 5,000 in the past year. Their target is to attract 90,000 Canadians in the coming years.

The presentations focused on sustainable tourism and unique experiences, from traditional crafts to exotic adventures. A representative of Indonesia highlighted the country’s breathtaking landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush jungles, as well as its vibrant cultures, ancient traditions, and unforgettable adventures that make it a truly unique destination.

Mexico: Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Bliss

During the presentation, the representative highlighted the attractions of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, two of Mexico's most beautiful coastal destinations.

Ixtapa, known for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and excellent golf courses, is perfect for those seeking adventure and water sports. In contrast, Zihuatanejo offers a more relaxed experience, with its charming fishing village atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and unspoiled beaches.

The representative also shared exciting news: Air Canada now offers direct flights from Montreal, with a flight time of just 5 hours, making it easier than ever for Canadians to visit these tropical destinations.

El Salvador: Secrets of a growing destination

El Salvador's Ambassador, Ricardo Alfonso Cisnero Rodríguez, highlighted the country as a rising destination for nature, sports, and adventure enthusiasts. “Our towering mountains and majestic volcanoes invite exploration,” he shared. Nestled in Central America, with a 321 km Pacific coastline, El Salvador offers a tropical climate and year-round temperatures of 25–30°C, making it an ideal getaway. The capital, San Salvador, is just 40 minutes from the international airport.

El Salvador offers convenient travel connections, including daily flights from Toronto, seasonal and permanent flights from Montreal with Avianca and Air Transat, and routes via the U.S. and Panama. A direct link with Western Canada is also being explored. Thanks to improved security, El Salvador is now the safest country in Latin America and the fourth fastest-growing tourist destination globally. The Ambassador invited travelers to experience the country's charm, hospitality, and its brand: "El Salvador, Land of Hosts."

Cuba: Vibrant Updates

One of the day’s highlights was the vibrant Cuban fiesta at 6:30 PM, a lively opportunity to connect in a festive atmosphere. Cuba excelled at the Fiesta Cubana, closing out the Zone Pro program with a grand finale. Led by Michel Bernal, Director of Cuban Tourist Office in Montreal, the event featured top hotels and suppliers, with exciting prizes awarded in a vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment, music and games.

During the evening, Berta Martin Cabañas, Contracting Area Manager at Blue Diamond Resorts, announced the launch of the new brand Resonance, featuring two distinct concepts: Music and Blue. Music is tailored for young adults or those young at heart who enjoy parties, DJ music, and beach activities, while Blue caters to those seeking wellness through yoga, hiking, healthy eating, and natural treatments. Both concepts are exclusively for adults 18 and older, offering options that suit a variety of lifestyles and budgets.

Representatives of Cuba's top hotels in action: Iberostar, Meliá, Sirenis, and Blue Diamond Resorts
Photo: Orbita Popular

In an interview, Berta highlighted that this winter, the Resonance experience will be implemented in renovated hotels, such as the former Memories Varadero in Varadero and in Cayo Santa María. It will also expand to Santa Lucía (north of Camagüey) and Marea del Portillo (south of eastern Cuba). "In Cuba, we have 58 hotels offering options for all tastes and budgets," she concluded.

Enjoy Travel – Circuits

Luis Jiménez, Vice President of Sales for Enjoy Travel Group in Montreal, Canada, showcased the company’s expertise as a tourism specialist, offering a wide range of unique experiences. From accessible tourism to cycling adventures, sports, hiking, birdwatching, jeep safaris, and diving, the options are designed to appeal to diverse traveler interests.

Jiménez emphasized the appeal of circuits that blend beach and nature, such as exploring the charming town of Trinidad in Cuba, meeting locals, and uncovering its hidden treasures. He also highlighted multi-destination Caribbean trips, like starting in Cancún and concluding in Havana. "We are proud to collaborate with Air Transat to provide convenient flights to the Caribbean," he added.

Dominican Republic

Cosette García, Director of the Dominican Republic Tourism Office in Montreal, highlighted the country's treasures, emphasizing the wide range of adventures it offers, including activities on land, in water, and in the air. As examples, she mentioned land-based adventures such as mountain hiking, camping, buggies and ATVs, motocross, cycling, and caving. She also pointed out Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, and María Trinidad Sánchez as prime destinations for water-based adventures.

Garcia also explained that Miches, a rising gem in the Dominican Republic, is set to grow as a top tourist spot. Located in El Seibo province, it offers over 30 miles of stunning beaches, lush plains, mountains, and rivers, making it perfect for both adventure and relaxation. Currently home to two exceptional resorts—Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda and Sunrise Miches—the destination will welcome three more hotels, including Zemi Miches and Viva Miches, by 2025.  In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Miches offers rich cultural experiences, exquisite gastronomy, and abundant outdoor activities, from paragliding and kite surfing to exploring waterfalls like Salto La Jalda and the iconic Montaña Redonda. Excellent land and air connectivity via Punta Cana International Airport and local tour operators make accessing this hidden gem effortless. With its growing infrastructure, Miches is cementing its place as one of the Caribbean's most promising tourist destinations, fostering local economic growth and offering travelers unforgettable experiences.

A vibrant couple showcasing excellent Dominican dance!

Discover Peru

Peru’s booth at the event has been buzzing with excitement, with a strong turnout from both the press and the public. According to Marvic Gil, Tourism and branding specialist from PromPeru Canada, the booth saw about 25 to 30 media representatives, and the team was thrilled to participate again in this significant event. Canada is Peru’s second priority market, and the interest shown by the public has been encouraging, with many already planning trips. The conversations have been meaningful, showcasing the growing interest in Peru as a top destination.

When asked about the most popular destinations, Gil highlighted Machu Picchu as a constant favorite but noted the increasing interest in Arequipa and the Amazon. Visitors have been pleasantly surprised by the diverse offerings, which include not just iconic sites like Machu Picchu but also the vibrant food scene in Lima, the Ica desert, and cultural treasures in Arequipa. The representative also extended an invitation to the Hispanic community, encouraging Peruvians and Latin Americans to visit Peru, emphasizing its diversity and the many exciting experiences waiting for travelers.

Orbita Popular observed that many visitors were unaware of the convenience of direct flights from Montreal to Lima with Air Transat. Booking a trip to Peru has never been easier, but travelers should note that some routes may be seasonal. Be sure to check the schedule to plan your journey effortlessly!

Les Îles de Guadeloupe

Órbita Popular visited this beautiful booth and met Déborah Coffre, Marketing Project Manager for Canada at the CTIG (Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Committee). She shared insights about the unique charm of les Îles de Guadeloupe, highlighting their diverse experiences, rich culture, and vibrant tourism offerings.

The Guadeloupe Islands were recognized with the "Coup de Cœur" award at the salon for their warm welcome, enthusiasm, and the exceptional presentation of their booth, which captivated visitors and showcased the essence of these stunning islands.