Montreal hopes to attract French tourists for 375th anniversary

Montreal will be courting French residents this week, hoping to convince them to visit the city for its 375th anniversary celebrations.

Atrade mission from Montreal arrived in Paris on Sundaywith the aim of showcasingthe city'sbusiness, cultural and tourist attractions.

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MontralParis, which is in its second year, is organized by Tourism Montreal, the Chamber of Commerce and the MontrealWorld Trade Centre.

Montreal chefs, business owners and local beer makers have one week to make pitches to their French counterparts.Former premier Pierre Marc Johnson will alsobe attending and hosting a conference.

The goal is to build a better connection between the two cities while boosting business development and tourism in Montreal.

Yves Lalumire, CEO andpresident of Tourism Montreal, said the mission also represents a chance to promotethe City of Montreal's upcoming 375thanniversary celebrations in 2017.

The number of French tourists who visit Montreal has shot up by 15 per cent over the last five years, saidLalumire.

Montral Paris runs untilMarch 10.