TMAC conference overwhelming success

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley today declared the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) conference and annual general meeting in St. John�s to be a resounding success. Over 160 delegates participated in the conference which took place from February 28 - March 1.

"This year�s conference marked the first time that TMAC has hosted a conference outside of central Canada," said Minister Shelley. "The association was not disappointed with what they found in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many people told me throughout the weekend that they had never been to our province before but, after seeing it first-hand, they would definitely come back."

Over 55 travel writers were part of the delegation, writing for publications around North America. The conference resulted in various story idea leads for writers for publications including Globe and Mail and Canadian House and Home.

"As a small province with limited marketing dollars, we value the opportunities that arise from our membership in TMAC," said Minister Shelley. "The return on investment we receive in editorial in various publications is advertising that money cannot buy. The department�s travel media program delivers an average editorial value of approximately $30 million annually. Stories were carried in publications including the National Post, Chatelaine, Leisure Ways, Canadian Geographic, Explore Magazine and the Ottawa Citizen. We expect even greater return as a result of hosting this year�s conference."

During the conference, Minister Shelley participated in a live 30-minute interview with the Travel World Radio Show which was broadcast to audiences in Canada and various parts of the United States. During the interview, the minister spoke about the natural beauty of the province, the warm hospitality of our people and the numerous opportunities for tourists in various regions of the province. Robert Overend with the Fairmont Newfoundland and Judy Sparkes-Giannou with Maxxim Vacations were also interviewed during the live broadcast.

Travel World Radio is syndicated across America by Nascor International through affiliated radio stations in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia.

Other scheduled events for delegates throughout the weekend included a media marketplace, sightseeing tours throughout the city and various industry sessions.

Media Contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2004 03 03                                         9:45 a.m.