An Origin(e)-al take on Aboriginal tourism

Quebec Aboriginal Tourism (QAT) has launched a new magazine aimed at developing tourism in Quebec’s First Nations and Inuit communities.

The first of its kind in Canada, Origin(e) is an annual publication that will provide an in-depth look at the unique cultural and natural attractions that Aboriginal communities in Quebec have to offer visitors from around the world.

“The magazine format allows us to share knowledge about First Nations culture,” said QAT marketing advisor Sébastien Desnoyers Picard. “We want people to see that this isn’t just a place to visit, but also a place to learn about the culture of the First Nations people.”

The 84-page inaugural edition features a section dedicated to each of Quebec’s 10 major Aboriginal economic sectors. As of April 30, over 40,000 bilingual issues had been distributed to Tourist Information Centres across the province. Although Picard hopes the magazine’s message will find an international audience, a large part of the publication’s focus will be to continue to attract tourists from within the province.

“A study we conducted in 2011 showed that 55% to 60% of tourists visiting Aboriginal locales come from within Quebec,” said Picard.

Attracting over 800,000 visitors annually, tourism in Aboriginal Quebec generates 3,500 jobs and over $160 million in revenues.