The first Canadian Routes Americas will take place in 2019 following a successful bid from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.

Routes Americas brings together airports, airlines, tourism authorities and governments to plan future air services.

It moves to a new city every year to highlight different markets to the aviation industry’s decision makers.

Founded in 1608 as part of the French colonial empire, Québec is a port city with a unique blend of European and North American culture.

Old Québec is the only walled city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - its 400-year-old stone buildings and winding streets are remarkably well preserved.

The Québec City metropolitan area has undergone exceptional economic growth in the last 25 years, reaching a total GDP of CAN$34.6 billion in 2016.

It is the only Canadian region to experience such sustained growth, thanks to a highly diversified economy and booming service sector.

Routes Americas 2019 will be held during the largest winter festival in the world, Carnaval de Québec.

An ice palace, ice sculptures, night parades and a canoe race are features of the celebration that has run every year since 1955.

Routes Americas 2017 in Las Vegas was attended by 830 delegates from 100 airlines, 260 airports and 40 tourism authorities, and Quebec can expect a similar gathering in 2019.

Steven Small, brand director of Routes, said: “Québec is a fascinating, historic city with a dynamic economy and exciting aviation opportunities supported by the growth plans of Jean Lesage International Airport.

“It is an ideal location for the first Canadian Routes Americas and we look forward to working with the highly professional team in Québec.”