VIDEO REPORT: CALGARY’S DOORS ARE OPEN

Tourism Calgary has launched a new regional and national marketing campaign just as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” — the Calgary Stampede — gets underway. The three week marketing initiative will let travellers know that Calgary’s attractions, restaurants, hotels and festivals are ready to host the world this summer. In fact, you can check out the Calgary’s Doors are Open video by going to http://www.visitcalgary.com/calgary-doors-are-open The campaign, a collaboration between Travel Alberta, the Calgary Hotel Association and Tourism Calgary, features Mayor Naheed Nenshi who has been nationally recognized for his steadfast and inspirational leadership throughout the crisis. “Our community was pushed down, and we are pulling her back up. You’ll want to see what this community has accomplished,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “You’ll get a chance to experience the energy of these streets, our great festivals, events and experiences. Summer is the time you want to be here. Come and visit Calgary – our doors are open.” On Thursday June 20, 2013 flood waters overwhelmed Calgary’s Bow and Elbow rivers and ran unabated through neighbourhoods adjacent to those rivers, including the downtown core and Stampede Park. Many downtown hotels were closed for days due to power outages. On July 4, just two weeks after the flood, The City of Calgary lifted the state of emergency and all but one of its city hotels were open as were the vast majority of Calgary’s signature experiences, restaurants and attractions (with the Calgary Zoo re-opening in stages starting July 31). Tourism Calgary CEO, Cindy Ady said: “The summer tourism season is critical for a tourism industry that employs one in 10 working Calgarians and contributes $1.4 billion in spending to local businesses.” For more, go to http://www.visitcalgary.com .