Canada goes speed dating with the world
International tourism marketplace generates hundreds of $millions in sales for Canada's tourism sector
WINNIPEG, May 5 /CNW/ - Five days. More than 1200 tourism professionals. Twelve minutes to pitch unique Canadian experiences. The potential for hundreds of millions of dollars for Canadian tourism business.
Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) is the country's premier international tourism marketplace lead by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), hooking up international buyers with Canadian sellers of tourism products. The sales event is a hot ticket and runs from May 8 - 12 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Buyers and sellers get together for pre-arranged 12 minute appointments. International buyers include foreign tour operators, wholesalers and packagers from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Latin America and North America, all eager to find new products, services and packages. Canadian sellers consist of a wide range of small to large companies putting their best tourism products and experiences forward to make the magic happen.
"The 2010 Winter Games re-introduced Canada to the world as a vibrant, authentic, and stunningly beautiful travel destination and there's a surging interest in exploring what we have to offer," says Michele McKenzie, CEO and President of CTC. "At RVC, tourism businesses have an opportunity to take advantage of this momentum - meet directly with global buyers and sell their travel experiences to the world. This is good tourism business for Canada."
RVC is an effective platform for positioning Canada to high-value buyers, while opening up product development and market entry opportunities for the Canadian travel industry.
For this year's hosts - Travel Manitoba and Destination Winnipeg - it means some of the world's most influential travel buyers will experience Winnipeg and Manitoba first-hand.
"The range of Manitoba tourism operators at RVC shows international markets that our province is a diverse and exciting destination," said Hubert Mesman, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. "It's an incredibly effective way to market the city of Winnipeg. We are eager to welcome RVC delegates and we hope to win them over with our diverse, dynamic and creative spirit," added Marina James, President of Destination Winnipeg.
About RVC
This is the 34th year for RVC. The event is held annually and is staged by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada on behalf of CTC. The number of participants and the amount of business conducted has grown exponentially since the first marketplace was held. The buyer to seller ratio at RVC 2010 is at its strongest ever. A large selection of the international buyers will also be maximizing their time in Canada by participating in pre and post familiarization tours throughout Manitoba.
About the CTC
The CTC is Canada's national tourism marketing organization. Our vision is inspiring the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories, we advertise and market Canada in 12 countries around the world, conduct industry research and studies, and promote product and industry development. For regular updates on CTC initiatives, subscribe to CTC News, available through RSS feeds and by e-mail.
For more details about Rendez-vous Canada and the 2010 host organizations please visit:
www.rendezvouscanada.travel
www.corporate.canada.travel
For further information: Amber Campbell, Senior Corporate Communications Advisor, Canadian Tourism Commission, Tel: (604) 638-8406, [email protected]
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