Olympic and Paralympic athletes join Canadian Tourism Commission to kick off
winter fun at localsknow.ca

VANCOUVER , Nov. 2 /CNW/ - The Canadian Tourism Commission, joined by nine of Canada's top athletes, officially kicked off the winter season today by launching the LOCALS KNOW winter campaign. As ambassadors of Canada's winter sports, athletes such as six-time Paralympic medallist Karolina Wisniewska, two-time Olympian Chris Moffat , top ice dancer Andrea Chong , and many others are sharing with Canadians their favourite "hidden" winter activities and destinations at www.localsknow.ca.

"The CTC's LOCALS KNOW campaign is helping to highlight the many unique destinations within Canada that a lot of Canadians have yet to discover," said the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). "I encourage everyone to take the opportunity this winter to explore some of the many attractions our great country has to offer."

The four-week campaign focuses on the unexpected, encouraging Canadians to seek out new and little-known winter experiences in places they didn't know existed. Tourism partners in almost all the provinces and territories are participating in the LOCALS KNOW winter campaign by offering over 345 special travel offers that are available at the LOCALS KNOW website.

" Canada has an incredible variety of winter activities for everyone, from winter festivals, to dog sled rides, to ski and spa experiences." said Michele McKenzie, the CTC's president and CEO. "We have been working closely with our partners on LOCALS KNOW, so this winter, a vacation in Canada can take you as far from the familiar or as close to home as you choose - the possibilities are truly endless from coast to coast to coast."

Among participating industry partners, Air Canada is joining with LOCALS KNOW to offer some great travel deals available at the LOCALS KNOW website, making this winter an excellent opportunity to create extra-ordinary experiences while benefiting from great value packages. Moreover, Canadians will be encouraged to upload a photo of their favourite winter travel spot for the chance to win one of ten prizes of 100,000 Aeroplan(R) Miles, of which the first four winners will also receive a Canadian getaway.

About LOCALS KNOW

LOCALS KNOW, a national, integrated advertising campaign comprised of print, online, social media, and displays at select Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, has been made possible by special stimulus funding from the Government of Canada . The CTC is investing $10 million per year in the next two fiscal years to support the tourism industry and stimulate Canada's economy.

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 daily updates on CTC initiatives, subscribe to CTC News, available through RSS feeds and by e-mail.

    
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For further information: Margaret Nevin, Senior Corporate Communications Advisor, [email protected], Canadian Tourism Commission, Tel [phone], Fax [phone], www.canada.travel