OTTAWA, December 8, 2009 — Today, the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), extended her congratulations to the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) for being named 2009 Marketer of the Year by Marketing magazine:
“I would like to sincerely congratulate the CTC for its amazing work in promoting Canada to travellers at home and abroad. Once again, the CTC has received top honours for its creative ideas, innovative marketing efforts and outstanding promotional campaigns.
“The CTC received this recognition by embarking on a ground-breaking social media strategy, launching a global marketing effort, and developing the hugely successful “LOCALS KNOW“ campaign, aimed at uncovering the country’s hidden gems and encouraging Canadians to explore our country. This internationally acclaimed campaign has caught the attention of people all over the world. “LOCALS KNOW” has even been ranked among Forbes’ top 10 Best Travel Campaigns.
“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is providing $40 million over two years to the CTC to expand investment into priority international markets and to encourage Canadians to spend their travel dollars at home. Our government is fully committed to helping support Canada’s tourism industry.
“Just last week, our Prime Minister announced that Canada has been granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) by the People’s Republic of China. This agreement has the potential to significantly boost our visitor economy by welcoming one of the biggest tourism source countries in the world. China is already a target market for the CTC. With ADS, the CTC will be able to greatly increase the scale of their promotion and marketing activities in China.”
The CTC is Canada’s national tourism marketing organization. With its partners in the tourism industry and all levels of government, the CTC advertises and markets Canada in 12 countries, conducts industry research and studies, and promotes product and industry development.
Please visit the Canadian Tourism Commission website for more information on the CTC and its initiatives.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Catherine Godbout
Office of the Honourable Diane Ablonczy
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-947-5856
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
