AHQ and AQS welcome the appointment of Amélie Dionne
The Association hôtellerie Québec (AHQ) and the Association québécoise des spas (AQS) welcome the appointment of Amélie Dionne as Minister of Tourism. This appointment represents a new source of hope for Quebec’s tourism industry, which faces major challenges but also many opportunities for growth, according to the associations.
A new minister already known
“Ms. Dionne is not a stranger to us. In 2023, she stepped in on short notice to replace Minister Caroline Proulx during the AHQ and AQS outreach days. Her well-regarded and appreciated performance, along with her experience as parliamentary assistant for Tourism, demonstrate her understanding of the issues and her commitment to our sector. We believe her expertise will be an asset in supporting the recovery and competitiveness of Quebec tourism. We are also eager to work hand in hand with her, while underlining the importance of close collaboration with the Minister of Economy, Christine Fréchette, to sustain growth and vitality in our industry,” says Véronyque Tremblay, president and CEO of the AHQ and AQS.
A career tied to regional development and business tourism
Dionne has diverse experience that has brought her close to regional economic development issues. She served as director of communications in the office of the minister responsible for Regional Economic Development (2019-2021). At the same time, she worked as an entrepreneur in event planning and communications (2011-2021). This career path has made her aware of the importance of business tourism, a sector that directly contributes to regional economic vitality and plays an essential role in Quebec’s tourism ecosystem.
Rendezvous in Rivière-du-Loup
By coincidence, the joint annual conference of the AHQ and AQS will be held this year in Rivière-du-Loup, in Dionne’s riding, from November 3 to 5. The associations have already extended an official invitation to the new minister to attend. “Her presence would be a valuable opportunity to discuss our sector’s strategic priorities directly and to pool our strengths to ensure sustainable development,” adds Tremblay.
Cabinet shift for Caroline Proulx
Former Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx now serves as minister responsible for Seniors, minister for Health, and minister responsible for the Status of Women. The AHQ and AQS highlight her contributions in recent years and wish her success in her new roles.
Building the future together
The AHQ and AQS reiterate their commitment to working closely with the Minister of Tourism to support hotel operators and better position Quebec’s spas. Together, they will need to address priority challenges such as labour shortages, international competitiveness, sustainable and technological transitions, and regulatory stability. The accommodation and wellness sector is a key driver of economic and regional development: the future will be built in a spirit of collaboration and joint action.
About the Association hôtellerie Québec
The AHQ is the only provincial association recognized by the Quebec government to represent the tourist accommodation sector. With 75 years of history and 550 members, it serves as the industry’s spokesperson, advocating for the interests of Quebec’s accommodation sector while striving for excellence in a thriving economic environment.
About the Association québécoise des spas
The AQS represents nearly 60 spas across Quebec committed to offering quality experiences. It represents, mobilizes, and inspires these establishments to build a sustainable and prosperous wellness industry focused on excellence.