Message from The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
Rendez-vous Canada is a powerful moment to welcome the world to Canada and showcase the incredible experiences, vibrant communities and world-class tourism assets that make our country unforgettable. This event, our largest international tourism trade show, shines a spotlight on Canada’s legendary destinations, connecting international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses.
We all know that tourism is a powerful economic driver from coast to coast to coast, in communities big and small. Tourism drives revenue, supporting businesses in 5,000 communities across Canada and employing countless Canadians from all backgrounds and walks of life. Tourism enriches the lives of those who visit and the places we call home.
To our international buyers: we are thrilled to welcome you to Canada and invite you to discover the depth and diversity of our tourism offerings, including authentic cultural experiences, unforgettable culinary delights and breathtaking natural attractions.
And to our Canadian sellers: now, more than ever, let’s proudly showcase what “Made in Canada” means.
Message from Marsha Walden, President & CEO, Destination Canada
Destination Canada is proud to welcome the world to Canada and to this year’s signature event, Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
RVC exemplifies the power of collaboration, and we are proud to once again stage this event with the production support of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), and to partner with our wonderful hosts, Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg.
As Canada’s largest international tourism trade show, this year’s event brings together almost 1,400 delegates from around the world, connecting Canadian sellers with over 400 global travel-buyers and generating business deals worth tens of millions.
Tourism is big business in Canada and delivers far-reaching economic, social, and cultural benefits to communities across the country. In 2024, tourism contributed $130 billion in revenue to the Canadian economy—that’s over $350 million a day! The sector also sustained over $263 billion in total economic activity across Canada and added $51 billion to our annual GDP.
These numbers tell a compelling story, but there’s even more to be written. Together with our sector partners, we are committed to unlocking the industry’s full potential by becoming even more globally competitive and by stimulating business all across Canada.
As an industry powered by 265,800 businesses in over 5,000 communities, and supporting one in 10 jobs, tourism enhances our quality of life and gives Canadians a chance to live and work where they grew up.
Rendez-vous Canada shines a spotlight on the places, people, and perspectives that create our legendary experiences. It’s an opportunity to share our stories with the world.
Welcome to Canada!
Message from Nina Kressler, Chair, Board of Directors, Tourism Industry Association of Canada
As a proud partner of this signature event, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada is excited to welcome delegates from around the world to experience the very best of Canada’s tourism sector.
Beyond its economic impact, tourism connects our diverse communities, celebrates our multicultural identity, and builds national pride. It also provides a meaningful platform for reconciliation and authentic engagement with Indigenous communities, sharing the rich heritage and stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples that are central to Canada’s cultural mosaic.
We extend our sincere thanks to Destination Canada, whose leadership and vision help showcase Canada on the global stage, as well as to our gracious hosts, Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg, who highlight the unique spirit and stories of this remarkable region. Thank you to all our valued partners for your unwavering support and commitment to advancing Canada’s tourism industry.
Rendez-vous Canada is a powerful opportunity to forge new relationships, strengthen existing partnerships, and share the inspiring experiences that make Canada a world-class destination. We encourage you to embrace the spirit of collaboration and discovery throughout your time here.
We hope your experience in Winnipeg is rewarding, inspiring, and memorable.
Airport Shuttles
Welcome to Winnipeg! Upon arrival at the airport look for representatives from our RVC 2025 hosts, Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg, who will direct you to the shuttles running to all of our Rendez-vous Canada’s official hotels. Shuttles will run every 30 minutes.
Please refer to our app or website for full details of the shuttle service that will run throughout RVC.
First Thing’s First - Collect Your Badge!
One of the first things you must do is collect your badge. Doing so will grant you access to the marketplace and all official RVC events.
You may collect your badge at the Registration desk, located on the second-floor mezzanine of the South Building at the RBC Centre.
By now you should have received your registration QR code via email. Use it at the Express Check-In Station provided by our registration sponsor, Avolta, and you’ll be good to go!
Our team will be available at the registration desk during these times to answer any questions you may have:
Please remember, your RVC badge is required for access to all official RVC events.
Your Winnipeg City Tour Is Today!
Don’t be late for your city tour! Arrive 10 minutes early at the RBC Convention Centre and get ready to experience Winnipeg like never before. Whether you chose to explore the Forks and immerse yourself in its deep Indigenous history, stories, and treaties; discover the best of Winnipeg on the award-winning Heart of the Nation City Tour; or walk the halls of the Manitoba Museum, which brings the region’s rich and diverse history to life, you’re guaranteed to leave both informed and fulfilled. Please consult the email you should have received for further details. Questions may be directed towards Sarah Robinson.
NOTE: Those who have yet to register for a city tour can still do so via the RVC site.
RVC AI Travel Assistant
Try our RVC AI Travel Assistant on WhatsApp! It's an easy way to get fast answers for your RVC questions on things to do in Winnipeg, daily RVC schedules, hotel walking groups, safety information and more—all right from your phone.
Simply type RVC 2025 and your query to prompt for event information!
Example: "RVC 2025 Shuttle Schedule"
SCAN OR CLICK ON THE QR CODE TO GET STARTED:
Special Events
Remember to mark your calendars for these key events!
Tuesday, May 27 | Destination Canada’s Inside Track 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Room 2EF, RBC Convention Centre
Sellers are invited to Destination Canada’s Inside Track at Rendez-vous Canada 2025.
Inside Track is an opportunity to bring our tourism industry together with representatives from DC’s international offices to gain valuable insights about the markets and what Buyers are looking for before the marketplace opens. This year’s session will include a full plenary session, followed by breakout sessions led by each of our regional teams.
In advance of the RVC 2025 Inside Track presentation and to help Sellers prepare for their appointments with the International Buyers, Destination Canada has developed two-page overviews providing specific data and insights into each market and its key travellers. These market overviews can be accessed on the RVC site.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada will join us to show you how to incorporate Indigenous products into your packages.
Tuesday, May 27 | Welcome To Canada Opening Reception 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Assiniboine Park Zoo and Leaf
Raise a glass, sample some hors d’oeuvres, and meet your fellow RVC 2025 attendees, as well as Manitoba’s most iconic residents, the rescued polar bears, at the Journey To Churchill exhibit at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Engage with them (the Buyers and Sellers, not the polar bears) in a ‘chill’ atmosphere from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Next, move on to one of the newest attractions in town, The Leaf, also located within Assiniboine Park. This is the main reception where everyone can enjoy local bites and refreshments against a lush backdrop that reflects the diversity of Canada’s natural beauty.
Transfers will depart from both the RBC Convention Centre and the host hotels at 5 p.m. so that you may enjoy both venues. Alternatively, if you have already met the polar bears, you can head directly to The Leaf with shuttles running from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
And tomorrow...
Wednesday, May 28 | Indigenous Opening of the Marketplace 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.
DC / ITAC booth, RVC Marketplace floor
Prior to the first appointments, join us at the DC / ITAC booth on the marketplace floor for a special welcome from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, the local First Nations and Metis.
This special ceremony will open RVC in a special and meaningful way, welcoming attendees to the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Dakota and Dene Nations, and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
Wednesday-Friday (May 28-30) | Hot Yoga 6 a.m. - 7 a.m.
Yoga Public (280 Fort Street)
Yoga Public is excited to offer complimentary Hot Yoga classes exclusively for RVC delegates just steps from the Fort Garry Hotel and other downtown hotels. These classes are for all levels, so start your day grounded, energized, and ready to connect. Add it to your agenda as a refreshing wellness option—you’ve earned it!
Select: ‘Book’ beside the 6 a.m. class on any of those dates
You will be asked to ‘confirm’ and then be redirected to create an account in MindBody.
Enter your Promo Code RENDEZVOUS2025 to reserve the complimentary classes.
Sponsors
Rendez-vous Canada would like to thank the following partners and sponsors for their generous contributions to Rendez-vous Canada 2025 and their ongoing support of the Canadian tourism industry.
Rendez-vous Canada is a powerful moment to welcome the world to Canada and showcase the incredible experiences, vibrant communities and world-class tourism assets that make our country unforgettable. This event, our largest international tourism trade show, shines a spotlight on Canada’s legendary destinations, connecting international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses.
Destination Canada is proud to welcome the world to Canada and to this year’s signature event, Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
As a proud partner of this signature event, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada is excited to welcome delegates from around the world to experience the very best of Canada’s tourism sector.
