Canada appears to be in vogue.
This country’s annual tourism show, Rendez-vous Canada, began in Toronto Tuesday night, and show organizers are saying strong attendance from abroad suggests there’s plenty of interest in vacationing in this country. And they noted that 518 international buyers from 24 countries are on hand for the event.
“We are very excited. We say Canada is having its moment,” said Maureen Riley of Destination Canada.
Riley attributes heightened interest in Canada in part to growing interest in Canadian culture, citing the likes of the popularity of TV show Heated Rivalries.
Riley also said there’s rising interest in Indigenous culture, which is featuring prominently at the show, with one section of the show floor devoted to it and delegates arriving at the event Wednesday morning greeted by an Indigenous cultural performance.
This year’s Rendez-vous is expected to provide a significant boost to the tourism trade in the host city of Toronto, generating $6.7 million in direct economic impact, another $5.7 million in indirect and induced impact and over $100 million in “future tourism business opportunities facilitated.”
Rendez-vous actually began Tuesday night with a reception at the city’s iconic CN Tower.
Show organizers reported that last year’s show — held in Winnipeg — had a $4.6 million impact for the Manitoba capital and saw $89.6 million of business deals signed.
In the photo
Seen on the floor at Rendez-vous, from l to r, are Maureen Riley of Destination Canada, Andrew Weir of Destination Toronto and Jennifer Taylor of TIAC.
