Tourisme Montréal has just launched 2 new websites to attract english-speaking tourists to Montréal.
The first one is play-montreal, which is a podcast about Montreal culture and events.
The second one is a blog, I found my montreal. You can submit there a post, with your story and pictures, and write what you think of Montréal (check the NEW POST button)
I really like those website’s overall designs – not only the graphical design, but how they present their topics and features. Knowing too well communication agencies in Montréal, I would have expected flash websites and fancy graphics void of content. Now, it’s the first time I see the governement of Canada and Québec sponsoring a blog, which spoils it a bit, because when visitors will notice that, there is no way they will think that it is an authentic blog by an authentic Montréaler who do it for the love of the city and not for the love of $$$. I don’t expect either visitors to subscribe to these blogs and podcasts — unless they manage to get exclusives and first-class content.
Footer of the new websites
Still, I like their initiative. I hope more public and parapublic organizations will follow the path.
Comments
Jean-Nicolas Lacoste August 23, 2007
We really appreciate to have some feedback.
I have been involved in this project and I would like to give you some information.
The content for the podcast is written by Nightlife magazine, Hour and Voir and is exclusive content. It was important for us to make partnership with people who work everyday to promote our city.
Also, our goal was to promote these websites without investing money in traditional advertising (like banner) and by using new media.
On the blog, everyone can write whatever they think of Montreal. Even if this project was initiated by Tourism Montreal, there is no editorial line in this site.
So if you’ve something to say about Montreal, good or bad, this is the place to post it; we’ll only moderate inappropriate post (like racist and sexual comments).
Tourisme Montreal is a non-profit organization and money is not their main concern with the launch of these 2 new websites. Being innovator in the tourism industry, creating a web 2.0 website, and starting a conversation with their customers are amongst the goals that Tourism Montreal is following.
Don’t hesitate to contact us!
Jean-Nicolas Lacoste
jnlacoste@huewebstudio.com
Heri August 24, 2007
indeed, i agree this is innovative coming from Tourisme Montréal
i think you should make a “about the website” page in the blogs, with more explanation on who is the behind the project, like you just said. transparency is always a plus.
good luck with the project!!
Technology and Innovation in August | Montreal Tech Watch September 03, 2007
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