Tourism and the 2010 Opportunity for Canada

February 3, 2010 -- Toronto, Ontario -- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism today met with tourism media in Toronto.

Minister Moore, along with Michele McKenzie, President & CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) hosted a presentation for tourism and travel media on the topic of the Government of Canada’s and the CTC’s efforts to welcome international tourists to the 2010 Winter Games.

The CTC is implementing its 2008 - 2012 tourism strategy: Leveraging Canada's Games. The strategy was made possible by a $26 million contribution from the federal government and has three key objectives:
  • To promote and embolden Canada's tourism brand in global markets to drive tourism and increase export dollars before and after the Games.
  • To leverage international media exposure during the Games by creating an inventory of digital assets and resources—from high-definition videos and story ideas, to familiarization (FAM) trips and social media—to showcase Canada from coast to coast to coast.
  • To convert consumer interest in Canada as a vacation destination into real intentions to visit the country.
Following the Games, the CTC will work to implement its long-term media relations plan for the post-Games period, while also leveraging strong media stakeholder engagements already in place to foster these relationships for future campaigns and events.

"In many parts of Canada, tourism is the backbone of the economy and promotes strong economic, social and cultural benefits for both rural and urban communities. I can certainly attest to that last point. My riding in New Brunswick is home to the world-famous Hopewell Rocks, the Fundy Trail and Fundy National Park. Thousands of jobs in my riding depend on tourists coming from all over Canada and around the world," said Minister Moore.

"It’s the same story in many other communities right across our country. So it’s essential that we continue to tell the world about everything Canada has to offer. The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games this year give a tremendous opportunity to do just that," Minister Moore added.

The Government of Canada is a major and committed funding partner in delivering successful Winter Games in 2010 and will strive to maximize Canadians' investment in the Games. Hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is a unique opportunity for Canada to showcase its accomplishments and innovations to the world.

Rob Moore is the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism and the MP for Fundy Royal.

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William Spisso
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, MP (Fundy Royal)
Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism
(613) 996-2316