Alberta tourism industry hitting its stride

Preliminary 2012 results indicate success for Travel Alberta

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CALGARY, Oct. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Tourism in Alberta celebrates another successful summer and Travel Alberta prepares to launch the second phase of its award-winning brand later this month.

Positive results suggest that Alberta's tourism industry is hitting its stride, working together in partnership to create world-class experiences attracting tourists from all corners of the globe.
Alberta has seen healthy increases in the hospitality sector, museums, events, festivals, border gateways and airport traffic. All of these factors will contribute to increased tourism revenues for the province.

"Already, 2012 has been a great year for tourism in Alberta," says Christine Cusanelli, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation for the Government of Alberta. "We saw record attendance at our festivals like the Calgary Stampede and Edmonton Fringe Festival this year, and we are looking forward to our upcoming winter season."

"We're seeing strong indicators that Alberta's tourism industry is back on track after years of decline from the global economic recession," states Dave Kaiser, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association. "As compared to 2011, occupancy rates for hotels in Alberta have risen four points to 65% from January through July this year. Additionally, the average daily hotel rate has risen nearly 5%. Alberta's tourism industry is eagerly reaping these long-awaited benefits."

Travel Alberta's annual Industry Conference and Annual General Meeting, October 21-23, 2012, in Banff, will see the Alberta's tourism industry come together to reflect on the successful summer and share best practices. During the conference, Travel Alberta will reveal the second phase of its brand campaign, (remember to breathe).

"Global competition to inspire and attract travellers is fierce," explains Bruce Okabe, Chief Executive Officer of Travel Alberta. "We've seen significant results since the launch of our tourism brand in 2011 and are anxious to launch the second phase of the campaign next week. By leading the province with a strong brand and a diligent strategic plan, we will continue on our journey to grow Alberta tourism revenues $1 billion by 2017."

Travel Alberta will be meeting with industry tourism operators in 14 communities throughout the province in a series of Open Houses to meet and discuss tourism marketing starting October 30, 2012.

About Travel Alberta
Travel Alberta is the tourism marketing agency of the Government of Alberta.
Connect with Travel Alberta:
www.TravelAlberta.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/travelalberta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelAlbertaCanada
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TravelAlbertaCanada
Tumblr: http://www.TravelAlberta.tumblr.com

SOURCE: Travel Alberta

Noelle Aune
Executive Director, Public Relations & Communications
Travel Alberta
[email protected]
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