Nova Scotia to Host Rendez-Vous Canada, Again

TOURISM/CULTURE Nova Scotia to Host Rendez-Vous Canada, Again

Nova Scotia will once again host the country's largest travel trade show, Rendez-Vous Canada, in Halifax in 2002.

The announcement was made in Calgary on Tuesday, May 9, during this year's annual show.

Rendez-Vous Canada brings together buyers from around the world and sellers of Canada's tourism facilities and services. Business deals worth millions of dollars take place.

"This is another great opportunity for Nova Scotia to share all that we offer with travel buyers from all over the world," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "Our region will also benefit from a significant economic boost during the conference as organizers, delegates and sponsors are expected to spend several million dollars during their stay."

The event is organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, which represents the interests of the private-sector tourism industry. Rendez-Vous Canada was held in Halifax in 1999.

Mr. MacDonald was present for the announcement as he attended this year's conference of provincial and territorial tourism ministers in Calgary. The ministers agreed on critical directions on four distinct themes to support growth in the tourism industry at their annual meeting.

"One critical issue here in Nova Scotia is transportation infrastructure, including improved air access and roads," said Mr. MacDonald. "We spent a great deal of time discussing these issues and we will continue to make our views known to the federal government, urging them to work with us in addressing priority infrastructure issues."

Mr. MacDonald also had an opportunity to express the province's views on such issues as access to capital for tourism businesses, sustainable development issues and product development opportunities.

The ministers agreed to meet again in May of 2001 in Toronto.