Tourism Minister's regional tour - Minister Caroline Proulx announces $850,000 in support of SOS Vortex, a new tourist attraction in Laval

LAVAL, QCLAVAL, QC, March 6, 2023 /CNW/ - Caroline Proulx^, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region, is pleased to confirm the allocation of $850,000 to support the establishment of a new activity proposed by Attractions SOS. This new attraction will further enhance Laval's tourism offering.

The Minister made the announcement today during a visit to the region with Vimont MP^Valérie Schmaltz and Fabre MP Alice Abou-Khalil^.

SOS Vortex will offer an immersive, interactive environment combining the notions of journey, quest and challenge. Each participant will undertake a personalized mission in a labyrinthine setting riddled with obstacles and amusing traps.

To promote an even more innovative and sustainable tourism offering, and ensure the industry's sustainability, growth and international competitiveness, the Quebec government supports value-added investment projects by Quebec entrepreneurs.

"Tourism is an important vector of economic development for all our regions, including Laval. That's why our government provides concrete support, through the Tourism Industry Recovery Program, for innovative projects that enhance our destination's offering and increase its economic spinoffs. We will continue to stand by the side of entrepreneurs in this field, so that they have the means to realize their ambitions and enrich Quebec.

Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region

"SOS Vortex will help consolidate Laval's place as a magnet for family tourism. This industry fosters the economic vitality of our region, and I'm delighted that this original project will add to the many attractions that make the city a unique place to visit."

Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister responsible for the Fight against Racism and Minister responsible for the Laval region

"This investment underscores the importance our government places on developing Laval's tourism offering. It's a destination of choice for families, and this new attraction contributes to the vitality of our already dynamic region. I salute the entrepreneurial spirit ofAttractions SOS, which shows that with creativity, determination and a little courage, great things can happen. Bravo! See you there this summer!

Valérie Schmaltz, MNA for Vimont and Government Assistant to the Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration - Francisation section

"What a wonderful project is coming to Laval! It combines the best of both worlds: learning and fun. SOS Vortex will encourage young and old to use strategy. Bravo to this initiative, which adds to the many attractions for which our region is renowned."

Alice Abou-Khalil, Member of Parliament for Fabre and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs

"Attractions SOS is proud to present, for the first time in downtown Laval, its brand new entertainment concept: SOS Vortex. The warm welcome and extraordinary collaboration of our various partners testify to the dynamism of this tourist region. Our special thanks go to the Ministère du Tourisme, Tourisme Laval, Ville de Laval, CF Carrefour Laval and Acmé Décors. We look forward to playing together this summer!

Jean Perron, President and CEO, Attractions SOS

• SOS Vortex offers a unique pop-art adventure on the outdoor site of CF Carrefour Laval. A mad scientist has developed a time machine. The first time vortex takes participants through a labyrinth of obstacles and challenges in search of four environmental problem-solving stations. The aim is to find the second vortex, without getting lost or fooled by the scientist's mischievous assistants.
• The experience takes place on a site covering more than 2,000 square meters (22,000 square feet). The attraction consists of an enclosure of 12 recycled containers. The labyrinth stands out for its immersive and entertaining concept, as well as its historical and scientific content.
• The government contribution comes from Industrial Recovery Program tourist  (PARIT) of the Ministry of Tourism.
• The objectives of PARIT are as follows:
  • support the adaptation of tourism businesses' offerings;
  • strengthen the development and consolidation of tourist attractions that have a structuring effect on their region;
  • support projects that encourage Quebecers to stay or travel;
  • enhance the economic and social vitality of communities and regions through the development of a sustainable, original and diversified tourism offering;
  • increase the adoption of good corporate social responsibility practices.
• The financial assistance is part of the implementation of the Tourism intervention framework 2021-2025: Act today. Transform tomorrow . It aims to support the development of major and diversification projects.

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Source: Office of the Minister of Tourism

Information: Source: Brigitte Roussy, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region, Tel: 514 248-0160, [email protected]; Information: Jean-Manuel Téotonio, Responsable des relations médias, Direction des communications, Ministère du Tourisme, Tel: 418 643-5959, ext. 3488, [email protected]; Jean Perron, President and CEO, Attractions SOS, Tel: 514 216-7540, [email protected]