Canada is competing to be a top destination in the global tourism sector. Making sure that more international tourists choose Canada will mean more jobs for Canadian youth and a boost for small businesses in every region of the country.

“It is so great to be back here at Rendez-vous Canada and to see the record number of people in attendance. I always enjoy meeting with so many hard-working people who welcome visitors to our country and help grow tourism from coast to coast to coast. Tourism is vital for many middle-class jobs in communities across the country, supporting 200,000 businesses and 1.7 million jobs. Through our government’s New Tourism Vision, we have a clear plan to build on this success and showcase our beautiful landscapes, incredible experiences and unique culture to the world.”

– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

“This is great news! These are exciting times for the tourism industry, and our shareholders’ support is crucial to our continued success together.”

– David Goldstein, President and CEO, Destination Canada

“Every year, Rendez-vous Canada demonstrates to the world the strength, diversity and opportunity of our industry. This year’s record participation shows the world that Canada’s tourism industry is ready for more visitors, strong growth and more jobs. Having the Government of Canada as a partner to support growth is imperative to ensure long-term sustainable growth. Our special thanks go out to Minister Chagger for her leadership and support. Canada’s New Tourism Vision will help raise Canada’s profile abroad while advancing work across government and meaningful action here at home. The Vision’s measurable goals will provide clear targets to work toward—together—for growing our industry and the Canadian economy.”

– Charlotte Bell, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada

• Rendez-vous Canada is Canada’s premier international tourism marketplace led by Destination Canada and co-managed by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

• Rendez-vous Canada is held in a different Canadian city every year. This year’s edition, which is taking place in Calgary, will be bringing together a record 1,800 international buyers and Canadian sellers to showcase and promote Canadian tourism products and services to foreign markets.

• Canada’s tourism industry supports 1.7 million jobs across the country.

• Budget 2017 announced important investments in Canada’s tourism sector:

  • Making permanent the $37.5 million per year in temporary funding previously provided to Destination Canada.
  • Providing $8.6 million to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to support the development of Canada’s unique and authentic Indigenous tourism industry.
  • Providing $13.6 million over five years, and $2.7 million annually thereafter, to Statistics Canada to broaden tourism data collection.

Associated Links

• Canada’s New Tourism Vision
• Destination Canada
• Tourism Industry Association of Canada
• Rendez-vous Canada

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt

Jonathan Dignan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism
343-291-2700

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca