Rendez-vous Canada Set for Record-Breaking Year

CTC-RVC-May14

With tourism being a trillion-dollar global business and one of the world’s biggest industries employing more than one in 10 of the world’s population, it’s not surprising that Rendez-vous Canada (RVC), the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)’s premier international tourism marketplace, is getting set to enjoy record-breaking attendance this May.

The Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver 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 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 described as the “go-to event” for international tour operators, wholesalers and packagers who are on the hunt for 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.