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NLIS 6 May 17, 2002 (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Halifax as gateway to the Atlantic during Rendez-vous Canada 2002 Halifax will act as the gateway to Atlantic Canada for more than 1,500 delegates at Rendez-vous Canada 2002, Canada�s premier tourism marketplace hosted by the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) from May 18 to 22. In addition to bringing tourism buyers and media from around the world to meet with Canada�s tourism sellers in Halifax, Rendez-vous Canada 2002 offers delegates the opportunity to participate in familiarization tours before or after the event. Eight tours will take place in the region to encourage delegates to experience the magic of Atlantic Canada first-hand. "Each of the four provinces in Atlantic Canada is naturally, historically and culturally unique, and together, they offer vacation packages with virtually endless possibilities," said Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "As delegates explore this region by participating in the marketplace and tours, they will gain memorable experiences and knowledge to share with clients back at home. Through our involvement with Rendez-vous Canada 2002, the ACTP is proud to support tourism operators in Atlantic Canada as we work together to build a stronger economy in the region." Julie Bettney, Newfoundland and Labrador�s Tourism Minister, says Rendez-vous Canada 2002 is a rare chance to bring the world�s tourism buyers and media to the region. "We have some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife to be found anywhere on the planet. This is an opportunity to show it off to those who will spread the word �� and a chance to grow our tourism industry as a result." Some 39 tourism buyers and media representatives around the world have chosen to visit Newfoundland and Labrador on one of three different tours. The ��Far East of the Western World�� tour sees delegates arrive in St. John�s on May 16, taking in Cape Spear, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and Signal Hill. After a day marveling at puffins and icebergs, what better way to unwind than with entertainment and an overnight stay in the city? A morning flight to Deer Lake will take participants into Gros Morne National Park and a look at the spectacular Western Brook Pond, before overnighting in Corner Brook. ��The Isle of Dreams�� Tour highlighted Newfoundland�s wilderness charm and famed hospitality. The tour started in St. John�s on May 14, with a tour of the city followed by dinner theatre and a visit to George Street. A flight to St. Anthony Wednesday morning allowed delegates to visit L�Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only authenticated Viking site in North America, as well as the Norstead re-enactment camp. Tuckamore Wilderness Lodge was the site for lunch, followed by canoeing. Thursday was spent exploring Gros Morne National Park, Rocky Harbour and the Tableland Mountains, overnighting in Woody Point. A helicopter ride over spectacular terrain will be the highlight of May 17, followed by an ATV ride in the wilderness around Corner Brook. The ��Gros Morne National Park Hiking Adventure�� tour is aimed specifically at the Asia/Pacific market, taking place from May 23 - 25 after Rendez-vous Canada 2002 has finished. It includes time in St. John�s, Gros Morne and Western Brook Pond, before departing from Deer Lake. "Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the best-kept secrets in the world�s tourism marketplace," said Sheila Kelly-Blackmore, president of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. "By letting that secret out in this way, we can increase visitation �� and that means more work and more income for our industry." This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP). ACTP is a nine member pan-Atlantic partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations, and the four provincial departments responsible for tourism. The current $19.5 million ACTP project has a three-year term, which began on April 1, 2000, and ends on March 31, 2003. It is dedicated to promoting Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination in international markets. Rendez-vous Canada 2002 is a major event attracting tourism buyers and media from around the world. Upcoming releases from the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) will outline Rendez-vous Canada 2002 results. Media contact:
2002 05 17 12:40 p.m. |
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