Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) 2004 AGM and Conference

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today the province has successfully bid to host the 2004 Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC). The TMAC board of directors announced St. John�s as next year�s location during the 2003 TMAC conference recently held in Niagra Falls.

The three-day conference consists of approximately 250 delegates, 100 active travel journalists and 50 associates. It includes a media marketplace, professional development seminars, networking sessions, pre and post tours, and half-day excursions throughout the chosen location. The convention is targeted at Canadian media.

"Our past affiliation with TMAC has resulted in our province being showcased in such publications as Chatelaine, Leisure Ways, Globe and Mail, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Explore Magazine, and Canadian Geographic," said Minister Bettney. "Hosting next year�s TMAC conference will increase our exposure among travel writers and result in increased editorial coverage of our province. It will also increase exposure in our domestic markets which, according to our marketing strategy, should remain our primary focus."

Representatives from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation met with industry partners to secure sponsorships and participation. According to the minister, the investment in TMAC is a strategic commitment that will deliver solid returns for the province and provide long-term benefits. TMAC is an important tourism media marketplace and, as the host destination, we will benefit from the opportunity to showcase our tourism products first hand to travel writers from all over Canada.

Judy Sparkes of Maxxim Vacations said they are delighted to be working with partners in Newfoundland and Labrador on this exciting tourism opportunity. "Through our partnerships with Air Canada, CanJet as well as our two regional carriers, we are confident that we will deliver a travel program that offers exceptional value to TMAC members. We have made a commitment to providing the very best in both price and experiences to those attending the 2004 TMAC conference."

For more information on the upcoming AGM and convention, please contact Gillian Marx or Andrea Peddle at 729-0862.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2003 02 20                                         12:20 p.m.