The 46th edition of Canada’s premier international tourism marketplace, Rendez-Vous Canada (RVC) kicked off in Québec City with a confident message that Canada has what the world wants and is ready to compete for business.
This year, more than 1,500 participants from 29 countries (including an Aussie contingent representing 13 companies) will connect over 51,000 face-to-face meetings in three days, generating an estimated value of $150 million in business.
In terms of recovery, overall visitor numbers are tracking at 78 per cent of 2019 and are expected to surpass 2019 levels by late 2023 or early 2024.
RVC is considered the “Olympic Games” of the tourism industry, and Canada is “as competitive as ever”.
“For nearly 50 years, Rendez-Vous Canada has been growing in size, scope and relevance. This event is an unprecedented opportunity for communities large and small, and for our tourism ecosystem, to showcase the best of our country to buyers around the world”, said Canada’s Minister for Tourism, the Honorable Randy Boissonnault.
The Minister showcased how the country is a paradise for nature and sports, boasting wide open spaces bordered by three oceans, one of the largest trail systems in the world, 294 ski resorts, 48 National Parks and 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It also has a proud indigenous tourism offering, with over 1,900 indigenous tourism businesses across the country.
He reinforced how Canada had topped the 2022 ‘Best Countries’ rankings as well as taking out three of the top spots in the ‘Top 10 Most Liveable Cities’ as the foundations of exceptional and authentic tourism experiences.
Alternating effortlessly between speaking French, English and Spanish to a delegate of international media, the charismatic Boissonnault said, “People have a fundamental need to connect and come together. Come visit Canada, because Canada has what the world wants. Come and learn something new about yourself, Canada is going to blow your mind and take your breath away”.
He also remarked that in the past, Canada had taken tourism for granted and seen it as a ‘nice to have’, but now the value of the visitor economy is being held in the highest regard as the number one export service. He acknowledged that with 230,000 tourism businesses from coast to coast, tourism can help build wealth and well-being for all across Canada.
RVC 2023 is a celebration that Canada is open, and not just open for business. Canada is a unique blend of open spaces, open hearts and open minds and is ready to enrich the lives of local communities and visitors from across the world.
Karryon is on location at RVC 2023 in Québec.
Karryon has been road-tripping and training across Canada via inspiring videos, exclusive content and marketing tools. Plus, there are incentives and famils up for grabs, so you can experience it all firsthand.
Destination Canada is opening up our horizons by rail, road and boat from coast to coast to coast for jaw-dropping views, meeting welcoming locals and experiencing awe-inspiring encounters around every corner of Canada. Whether it is Ontario or Manitoba, Canada Inspires Openess – where will the series take us next?
Psst. Travel Advisors… here’s a famil-iar treat for you.
Advisors who are registered in the Canada Specialist Program will go in the draw for two upcoming Canada famils in September and October 2023.
Join the Canada Specialist Program to learn more about the country’s diverse landscapes and experiences, and gain access to exclusive content and valuable tools to help you promote and sell Canada. Plus, network with other agents via the closed CSP Facebook group.
Click here to sign up by the end of July 2023 to be in the running to win a spot on a Canada famil or find out more here.
