Record-breaking attendance at Canadian Tourism Commission's 38th annual international tourism marketplace will generate millions of dollars in revenue.
Tweet: Tourism biz at Rendez-vous Canada 2014 in Vancouver power Canada's economic engine http://ow.ly/vF5xu #rvc2014
VANCOUVER, May 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Tourism is a trillion-dollar global business and one of the world's biggest industries, employing more than one in 10 of the world's population directly or indirectly. It's not surprising then that Rendez-vous Canada RVC, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)'s premier international tourism marketplace, will enjoy record-breaking attendance this May.
The Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC, will play host to hundreds of international travel buyers jetting in May 27-30 from 28 countries, including all of CTC's key markets, for close to 24,000 pre-scheduled face-to-face business appointments with Canadian sellers of tourism experiences and products. Of the best-ever total of 475 foreign buyers, the US leads the pack with 70 buyers, a 16% increase over 2013, while China has upped its numbers from 51 to 61 buyers this year, followed by Japan with 38 and Germany with 32 buyers. However, RVC is only a gateway to the rest of Canada for the 1,500 international travel professionals at the four-day event.
"Through Canada's Federal Tourism Strategy, we are positioning the tourism industry to take advantage of international growth opportunities while creating jobs in Canada," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) (Agriculture). "The CTC brands Canada and markets it in the most promising tourism markets in the world. Rendez-vous Canada contributes to the delivery of the strategy by increasing awareness of our country among international travellers."
RVC is the go-to event for international tour operators, wholesalers and packagers who are on the hunt for exciting new tourism products, services and packages that will make the difference in a fiercely competitive global tourism marketplace. The stakes are high—visitors from key overseas markets spent an average of $1,477 per trip to Canada in 2012 compared to Canadians who spent an average of $266 per overnight trip while travelling domestically.
"According to Statistics Canada data, every 1% increase in visitors to Canada generates an $817-million increase in Canadian exports," says Greg Klassen, CTC president and CEO (Interim). "The business taking place at four days of RVC will provide a unique boost to the host city and significant long-term benefits for the whole Canadian economy."
CTC's recently published 2013 Annual Report confirms that CTC's tourism marketing efforts generate $545 million in tourism revenue for Canada's economy (of which $72 million goes toward federal tax revenue) and create or protect 4,416 jobs in the domestic tourism industry.
RVC 2015 will take place May 26-29 in Niagara Falls, ON.
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About CTC
The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is Canada's national tourism marketing organization. A federal Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, we lead the Canadian tourism industry in marketing Canada as a premier four-season tourism destination. Our vision is to inspire the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories, we promote Canada's extraordinary experiences in 12 countries around the world, conduct market research, offer stunning visuals through the Brand Canada Library and provide resources and toolkits to help industry leverage Canada's successful tourism brand, "Canada. Keep Exploring." CTC is a proud member of the Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of FameTM for Executing Strategy. For regular updates on CTC initiatives, subscribe to CTC News, search our corporate website, become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, share images on Instagram or subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Image with caption: "The Vancouver Centre will be abuzz with activity during the four days of business at Rendez-vous Canada 2014. Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission (CNW Group/Canadian Tourism Commission)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140513_C7646_PHOTO_EN_40180.jpg
Image with caption: "Canadian Signature Experiences, such as new member Sea Otter Kayak Tours on Vancouver Island, BC, will be well represented on the trading floor at this year's Rendez-vous Canada. Credit: West Coast Expeditions/Bruce Kirkby (CNW Group/Canadian Tourism Commission)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140513_C7646_PHOTO_EN_40182.jpg
Image with caption: "From food trucks to fine dining, host city Vancouver has a growing international reputation for the diversity and excellence of its cuisine. Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission (CNW Group/Canadian Tourism Commission)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140513_C7646_PHOTO_EN_40178.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Tourism Commission
Margaret Nevin
Senior Corporate Communications Advisor
Canadian Tourism Commission
Tel: 604.638.8406
[email protected]
Clare Mason
Manager, Corporate Communications
Destination British Columbia
Tel: 604.660.0424
[email protected]
Amber Sessions
Manager, Travel & Trade Media Relations
Tourism Vancouver
Tel: 604.631.2870
[email protected]
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