An interview with Routes brand director Steven Small on the event’s Canadian debut
With the launch of a world class International Terminal at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) and the city’s current boom in economic growth, the timing is ideal for hosting Routes Americas 2019—an event bringing together leading airlines, airports, and tourism authorities to discuss air service expansion in the Americas.
Touching down February 12–14, 2019, for its Canadian debut, the conference is an exciting and essential opportunity for Québec City to show off its beauty, culture, and, ultimately, its destination potential. Attendees include airline network planners, airport route development managers, tourism authorities, and suppliers—all key decision makers in introducing new air services to a city. “They’ll experience all that Québec City has to offer,” says Routes brand director Steven Small. “Customer insight tells us attendees’ perceptions change when they experience a city first-hand.”
The event includes meetings between airports and tourism authorities, a conference featuring high-level speakers, and a networking program. “The keynote address by an airline or trade association CEO is always a highlight,” says Small. “Fundamentally though, this event is all about the meetings—it’s in the airline meeting hall where the real business is done.”
Routes in a nutshell
How will Québec City benefit from hosting Routes Americas?
Small: Hosting a Routes event places the destination at the centre of a forum dedicated to nurturing partnerships between airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and economic development agencies. Air transport is one of the most influential means of economic development. This event will deliver the key decision makers right to the Québec City market.
And the attendees… how will they benefit?
Small: They should go away with a significant number of business cards from new contacts, deeper existing relationships, and new ones to nurture… plus some positive impressions of Québec City as a destination.
You’ve attended a dozen of these events so far, what do you like best about the Routes Americas conference?
Small: Each event is distinct in its own way. My position affords me the ability to see some wonderful destinations, meet incredible people, and experience different cultures. The fact that our community is making the world more accessible is a great thing, but the opportunity to celebrate different cultures is truly exciting.
Where is Routes Americas headed next?
Small: It’s a competitive bidding process. Once again, we’re bowled over by the appetite and professionalism of bidders. Indianapolis will be next in 2020.
Faits saillants
Québec City expects hundreds of air industry decision-makers, including:
- more than 80 airlines
- about 300 airports
- about 50 tourism offices
Cities that have recently hosted Routes Americas:
- 2014 : San Salvador, El Salvador
- 2015 : Denver, Colorado
- 2016 : San Juan, Puerto Rico
- 2017 : Las Vegas, Nevada
- 2018 : Quito, Ecuador
Activities delegates will participate in:
- private “speed dating” meetings with different potential partners
- an exhibition on air transport and the tourism industry
- speeches
- networking activities
- Tourist activities to discover Québec City and the surrounding environment
More information on Routes Americas 2019 : Routesonline.com
Written by Lori Knowles and published int the Magazine Y No 3
To consult Magazine Y No 3 : Click here