Annual Tourism Congress takes stock of Canada's successful year

29/11/2016 10:15

Minister Chagger delivers keynote address at Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame Luncheon

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Following the best summer for tourism in more than a decade, Lonely Planet's top pick of Canada for Best in Travel 2017 and National Geographic Traveler Magazine's inclusion of Banff in its Best Trips list, the tourism sector has much to celebrate.

As part of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) annual Tourism Congress, industry stakeholders, partners, elected officials and decision makers gathered in the National Capital Region to recognize the successes of the past year and discuss the road forward for Canadian tourism. The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, delivered a keynote address at the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame Luncheon and talked about support for a new tourism vision for Canada.

In her address, Minister Chagger reiterated her praise of those who have positioned the country as a premier tourism destination. She mentioned the need for Canada to form stronger partnerships to grow our tourism industry, and she congratulated Air Canada and Destination Canada on their new partnership. In 2017, Canada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The sesquicentennial celebrations are expected to draw additional visitors and build on the successes and momentum of this past year.

Quotes

"It is no secret that tourism is part of every Canadian community. The tourism sector promotes Canada's brand and creates jobs—for the middle class and those working hard to join it—from coast to coast to coast. The Government of Canada is committed to working with all of its partners in this industry, including small businesses."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"A shining light for the Canadian economy, tourism is outpacing global growth rates and creating quality jobs in every region of the country. With tremendous growth opportunities from the United States, China and Mexico, TIAC looks forward to the government's new vision to achieve Canada's tourism potential."
– Charlotte Bell, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada

Quick facts

TIAC was founded in 1930 and is based in Ottawa. It encourages the development of tourism in Canada and serves as the national private-sector voice for this $90-billion sector. TIAC also advocates on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses and promotes positive measures that help the industry grow and prosper.
TIAC has over 400 members and thousands of affiliate members from coast to coast to coast.
Lonely Planet, the world's most successful travel publisher, recently named Canada as the top destination for travel in 2017.
National Geographic Traveler Magazine named Banff in its Best Trips list and featured a picture of Banff National Park on the North American cover of the magazine.