Canada’s leading tourism marketplace Rendez-vous Canada wraps up today, April 27 in Montreal.
The 40th year of the event has been the biggest yet, and by the close will have hosted more than 26,000 pre-scheduled face-to-face appointments.
During the closing Bardish Chagger, minister of small business and tourism said: "I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing trade show which showcases our country to the world and I’m looking forward to speaking to you in the future about our new programs, including the Connecting America program."
The Connecting America Co-op Marketing Program helps co-fund marketing initiatives with Canadian tourism businesses in sectors like winter sports, angling, culinary, golf and festivals and events.The investent will be worth up to 15million Canadian Dollars.
Destination Canada says there is a potential 19 million Americans in 12 US cities with direct air service who are keen to take a Canada vacation within the next two years.
December 2015 arrivals from the US were up 11% to more than 800,000, thanks in part to the low Canadian dollar.
At RVC Montreal there are more than 500 registered buyers from 28 countries including 65 from the US.
There is even a bigger presence from China with 80 buyers.
Organizers at Destination Canada say the event will bring a $1.3 million boost to the local economy of Montréal through hotel, food and convention expenditure.
Coupled with delegate spending and investments made by Tourisme Montreal and Tourisme Quebec, it said the city will benefit from an overall economic impact of about $5.5 million.
