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May 7, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Minister launches Viking promotion at international marketplace

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will participate in Rendez-Vous Canada (RVC) marketplace in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the World Trade and Convention Centre from May 9-12. Rendez-Vous Canada is the country's premier international tourism industry marketplace for the introduction, promotion and sale of Canadian tourism products and services. This year, the province will be represented by the largest delegation ever to attend RVC with nine sellers and four Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) attending the marketplace for a total of 25 people.

"Participants in Rendez-Vous Canada represent the country's best and newest tourism products," says Furey. "Rendez-Vous Canada is a four-day business to business marketplace representing an excellent opportunity for buyers and sellers to conduct business at a fraction of the cost of sales trips to their respective markets."

Tourism Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with the Viking Trail Tourism Association (VTTA), will host a luncheon for 1,100 delegates representing 30 countries. "The luncheon is an excellent opportunity to showcase the province to a very large and targeted international audience where we will promote the overall Newfoundland and Labrador brand and Vikings! 1000 Years," says Furey.

Over 366 international buyers will join approximately 40 international journalists and 500 Canadian sellers from every region of the country at this event designed to increase the volume and range of Canadian tour packages actively promoted and sold in international markets. RVC is produced by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), and is in its 22nd consecutive year.

The Newfoundland and Labrador delegation includes: Wildland Tours, Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Tours, Rifflin' Hitch Lodge, Gander Worldwide/Tours by Design, Islander RV Sales & Rentals, McCarthy's Party, Maxxim Vacations, Miki Enterprises, Tuckamore Lodge, Tourism St. John's, VTTA, Canadian Heritage (Parks Canada), and Tourism Newfoundland and Labrador.

"It is expected that the delegates will conduct approximately $350 million worth of business as a direct result of Rendez-Vous Canada," noted Furey. "Tourism is the fourth largest industry in the province representing five per cent of the province's GDP and accounts for $.5 billion in expenditures annually. Our participation in Rendez-Vous Canada is one of the department's major initiatives for promoting tourism, in an effort to further increase visitation and revenues to Newfoundland and Labrador."

Buyers, sellers and media representatives participating in RVC also have the opportunity to see special sights of Newfoundland and Labrador through pre and post RVC familiarization tours. It is expected that Newfoundland and Labrador will host approximately 33 tour operators and 10 international media.

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

1999 05 07 12:25 p.m.


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