‘Canada. For Glowing Hearts’

(G)O Canada…

The country’s annual tourism show Rendez-vous got underway in Toronto yesterday (May 28), with Ben Cowan-Dewar, chairperson of Destination Canada’s board of directors, telling the gathering that 2018 saw this country host more than 21 million visitors for the first time.

Cowan-Dewar credited the likes of growing direct air access and “international excitement” over Canada to last year’s strong performance.

Destination Canada president David Goldstein in turn asked how Canada can stand out in “the sea of the same” when it comes to countries working to attract tourists and praised the growing Indigenous component to Canadian offerings as doing just that by providing a “distinguishing feature.”

Destination Canada also unveiled a new promotional slogan for this country – Canada. For Glowing Hearts. The slogan is both a reminder of the national anthem and Destination Canada sees it as helping create a “passion brand” for this country, with one Destination Canada official stating that “Canada will leave a lasting mark on your [visitors’] hearts.”

Meanwhile, Goldstein noted that he won’t be at the helm of Destination Canada when next year’s Rendez-vous takes place as he’s stepping down.

But Goldstein, who started with TIAC 10 years ago, said he wants to remain active within tourism.

“It might be my last time here [as Destination Canada president], but I’m hoping it’s not my last time in the room,” he said.

Pictured are Robert Pratt, president of the The Sutton Place Hotels and Sandman Hotel Group; Irwin Prince, president of Realstar Hospitality; TIAC president Charlotte Bell; Goldstein; and Greg Elmhirst, general manager of Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene, Ont.