Best of Atlantic Canada at Rendez-vous Canada 2002

TOURISM/CULTURE--Best of Atlantic Canada at Rendez-vous Canada 2002

Atlantic Canada's tourism sellers will benefit from a rare opportunity happening this weekend. They are getting ready to show off their region to tourism buyers and media from around the world at Rendez-vous Canada. The Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) is hosting the event in Halifax from May 18 to 22.

"When it comes to marketing Atlantic Canada to the rest of the world, Rendez-vous Canada 2002 provides an unparalleled opportunity for local tourism operators to showcase the sights, sounds and tastes of our region," said Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "As host of Rendez-vous Canada 2002, the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership has made a strategic commitment to our tourism sellers, one that will deliver solid economic returns for all Atlantic Canadians."

Rendez-vous Canada, this country's most prestigious tourism marketplace, attracts over 250 major buyers from more than 50 countries. More than 200 of the 800 Canadian suppliers at the event will be educating tourism buyers and media about the region, as well as showcasing the diversity of the four Atlantic provinces through familiarization tours focused on local culture, geography and cuisine.

"We're proud to give our operators the chance to market Atlantic Canada to the world," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture for Nova Scotia. "Rendez-vous Canada 2002 puts our region on the map and will create economic spin-offs for years to come."

Eight familiarization tours scheduled during Rendez-vous Canada 2002 will be offered by Atlantic Canadian operators to delegates at the event, reflecting the depth of vacation experiences available throughout the region.

"Hosting this event in Atlantic Canada has so many benefits for our region," said Paul Emmons, president of Atlantic Tours Gray Line. "Having buyers here gives us the opportunity to provide them with real experiences through familiarization tours and events. Nothing can replace experiencing this region in person."

Karl Webb, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia, agrees.

"The value of this event for our operators could reach $35 million in long-term revenues," said Mr. Webb. "The benefits will extend beyond operators to businesses and services throughout the region as visitation increases."

This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership, which 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 on April 1, 2000, and ends on March 31, 2003. It is dedicated to promoting Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination in international markets.