Halifax Acts as Gateway to Atlantic Canada

Halifax will act as the gateway to Atlantic Canada for hundreds of tourism buyers and media representatives from 50 countries at Rendez-vous Canada 2002.

Hosted by the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP), this tourism marketplace runs from May 18 to 22 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax. The event brings together tourism buyers and media from around the world to meet with Canada's tourism sellers. Rendez-vous Canada 2002 also offers delegates the opportunity to participate in familiarization tours before or after the event. Eight tours will take place in the region to encourage delegates to experience the magic of Atlantic Canada first-hand.

"Each of the four provinces in Atlantic Canada has a natural, historical and cultural uniqueness, and together, they offer a wide range of vacation possibilities," said Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "As delegates explore this region by participating in the marketplace and tours, they will gain memorable experiences and knowledge to share with clients back at home. Through our involvement with Rendez-vous Canada 2002, the ACTP is proud to support tourism operators in Atlantic Canada as we work together to build a stronger economy in the region."

"As hosts of Rendez-vous Canada 2002, our province's tourism industry has an unrivalled opportunity to present the diversity and beauty of Nova Scotia to the world," said Rodney MacDonald, Nova Scotia's Minister of Tourism and Culture. "We're increasing our profile and visitation potential, which is good news for the industry and Atlantic Canada's economy."

Anne Freiss, president of Canadvac Travel agrees.

"The thing you remember most about a destination is its sights, sounds, smells and tastes. This is also true when it comes to making buying choices or writing feature articles about a destination," said Freiss. "Rendez-vous Canada allows us to place Atlantic Canada firmly into the senses of those who can directly impact our tourism industry."

About 250 tourism buyers and media representatives from 50 countries are expected to attend the event. Some participants will tour Nova Scotia on the "A Taste of the Maritimes" familiarization tour. Delegates will spend the night in Halifax on May 12 before touring the Lighthouse Route the following day. The South Shore tour will take in such places as Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Shelburne and Yarmouth. After touring other parts of Atlantic Canada, the group will return to Nova Scotia via the Caribou/Wood Islands ferry and spend the night in Pictou County before returning to Halifax on May 18.

This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership. The partnership comprises the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada tourism industry associations and the four provincial departments responsible for tourism. The current $19.5 million project has a three-year term, which began April 1, 2000, and ends March 31, 2003. The partnership is dedicated to promoting Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination in international markets.