Where do Canadians and Canada-lovers rendezvous? At Rendez-Vous Canada, of course! Canada’s premier tourism industry event, also known as RVC (because travel loves an acronym) has opened its doors (and arms) to the international travel trade. Karryon is on location in Edmonton, Alberta to share the news as it happens.
Here’s what we know so far:
1. Canadians know how to throw a party
RVC 2024 kicked off in the shadow of the majestic Fairmont Macdonald in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley, guests were fed and entertained in true Canadian warmth, care of Accor and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
Social media sensation Notorious Cree and his dancers wowed the crowd with a fusion of traditional Indigenous and contemporary dance, while Vancouver-based DJ Kookum provided the evening’s soundtrack, and Métis Child and Family Jiggers showed off their footwork.
2. Hockey is serious business
Hosting RVC when your hockey team is in the play-offs is surely the best way to sell Canada! After the opening party, guests found themselves pulled into the drama of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The nearby Ice District outside of Rogers Place was the best place to take in the atmosphere when the Edmonton Oilers took on (and beat, in a nail-bitingly close finish) the Vancouver Canucks.
Some of us may not have understood the rules, but we all felt the energy and may have instantly become Oilers fans.
3. Sustainability actually means something
RVC 2024 is committed to sustainability by promoting and supporting environmental, economic and community stewardship.
By reducing single-use disposable items, reducing paper and energy consumption, supporting local/small businesses, and reducing food waste where possible, RVC 2024 took real steps to support sustainable event management.
Attendees are also being encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, explore the city by foot, support local nearby businesses, and explore the River Valley!
4. It’s a numbers thing
- This is the 48th RVC!
- There are more than 1,400 attendees at the show this year.
- Over the conference, there will be more than 55,000 one-on-one appointments, exclusive breakfasts and networking opportunities enjoyed by attendees.
- More than 400 buyers and media from Destination Canada’s key markets are here to meet with over 900 tourism industry delegates from more than 482 Canadian organisations.
Stay tuned for more Canada news live from Edmonton, Alberta.
