Qatar Airways has announced that it has become the co-presenter of Mosaïcultures Internationales Montréal 2013 (MIM2013).
Almost two years to the day since the launch of its inaugural route to Montréal, Qatar Airways participated in the opening ceremony of MIM2013, kicking off what has become the world’s most prestigious competition of horticultural art and reinforcing the company’s strong ties with the local community. The event is being held at the Montréal Botanical Garden.
“We are proud to be the co-presenting sponsor of the 2013 edition of Mosaïcultures Internationales in Montréal. The botanical masterpieces are truly impressive, showcasing wonderful talent from around the world,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker. “These exhibits show the rich and vibrant experiences the great city of Montréal offers the year round to citizens as well as travellers.”
“We are honoured to support such a prestigious event and help the Montréal Botanical Garden brighten up the city even more,” said Qatar Airways country manager (Canada) Riyaz Saduddeen.
Several dignitaries and senior officials gathered before an audience of more than 1,000 guests at the launch event. The guests included Pascal Bérubé, Minister for Tourism (Quebec); Yasutomo Suzuki, Mayor of Hamamatsu (Japan); Ghislain Picard, chief of the Assembly of First Nations (Quebec and Labrador); Louis L Roquet, chairman of the board of directors of Mosaïcultures Internationales Montréal; Lise Cormier, president of the International Mosaiculture Committee; Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, director of Space for Life; and Gilles Vincent, director of the Montréal Botanical Garden.
“Since the first edition of the horticultural event held 13 years ago, the expertise of the mosaiculture crafts people has reached an unequalled level of excellence. The jury will have very difficult choices to make at both the international and national levels,” said Cormier.
Qatar Airways’ partnership includes a variety of activities that will allow MIM2013 visitors to travel around the world without ever leaving the city. The Land of Hope exhibit is open until September 29.
Visitors will have a chance to win a trip for two when they place their votes for their favourite botanical piece. The Qatar Airways People’s Choice Award will see two winners set out on a trip to Doha with Business Class return tickets and five nights’ accommodation. The winner will be named at the end of the competition on September 29.
This year, more than 50 creations from 20 countries are on show. The event will test the participants’ ingenuity as they compete to win the Grand Honorary Award given by the international jury, as well as the Qatar Airways People’s Choice Award.
Visitors will also be invited to the Qatar Airways International Hub to discover the countries represented in the competition.
The 2013 edition aims to amaze visitors while raising their awareness of the importance of preserving the richness of life on Earth.