Record breaking attendance at Canadian Tourism Commissions 38th annual international tourism marketplace will generate millions of dollars in revenue

Tourism is a trillion dollar global business and one of the world's biggest industries, employing more than one in ten 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, British Columbia, will play host to hundreds of international travel buyers jetting in May 27 -30 from 28 countries, including all of the 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, Germany with 32. 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, the CTC is 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 and Agriculture). "The CTC brands Canada and markets it in the most promising tourism markets in the world. The week's event contributes to the delivery of the strategy by increasing awareness of our country amongst 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 spend an average of $1477 per trip to Canada compared to Canadians who spend 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 aking place at four days at 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, Ontario.

About the CTC

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is  Canada's national tourism marketing organisation. A federal crown corporation of the Government of Canada, we lead Canada's tourism industry in marketing Canada as a federal four season tourism destination. Our vision is to inspire the world to explore Canada. With our parnters in the tourism industry and the government 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 www.keepexploring.ca/media 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 Fame (TM) 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

NOT FOR PUBLICATION:

For further information about Rendezvous Canada please contact:
Margaret Nevin

Senior Corporate Communications Advisor

Canadian Tourism Commission

Tel. 604 638 8406

For more general information about Canada as a tourism destination (in the UK), please contact Ms. Nim Singh, Canadian Tourism Commission Media and PR Manager, on 0207 389 9983 singh.nim@ctc-cct.ca