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NLIS 3 February 26, 2004 (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Travel Media Association of Canada celebrates 10th anniversary in St. John's The Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) will celebrate its 10th anniversary from February 28 - March 1, 2004 in St. John�s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The anniversary takes place in conjunction with the annual general meeting and conference being held at the Fairmont Newfoundland. The TMAC meeting involves professional development sessions for all members, networking opportunities and a marketplace where story ideas are exchanged. "This is the first time that the association of travel media and travel industry representatives are holding their annual conference and AGM outside of central Canada," said Susan Scott, TMAC president. "Everyone is very excited to be getting a taste of legendary Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality in this10th anniversary year for our association." Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley is excited about the potential opportunities that may result from hosting the TMAC conference in the province for the first time. "Newfoundland and Labrador is a unique tourism destination and one of the world�s best kept secrets," said Minister Shelley. "The TMAC conference will bring upwards of 160 delegates to our province to experience first-hand the natural beauty of Newfoundland and Labrador. We hope that these experiences will result in some great editorial about Newfoundland and Labrador as a top travel destination." The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation will propose a number of story ideas during the weekend conference that will include the French Heritage Celebrations, including the artisans from the Basque country who are coming to spend the summer building replicas of the famous chaloupes that can be seen in Red Bay; outdoor experiences and adventure products; the Labrador Coastal Drive; and winter activities including snowmobiling in Newfoundland and Labrador. There are also local touring opportunities to highlight tourism product in Newfoundland and Labrador. The half-day excursions will include a tour of historic St. John�s and Cape Spear, a simulated oceans tour including the Fluvarium with focus on whales and birds, a Taste of Newfoundland and Labrador demonstration and a galleries tour. Susan Scott said: "These are interesting times for the travel industry world-wide, in light of global events. There is a trend towards people vacationing closer to home and learning more about their own country. Newfoundland and Labrador tourism and their industry partners have put together some great story ideas and tours for our media members to experience while we are here in the province." TMAC was founded in 1994 by a handful of visionary Toronto-based travel journalists who saw a need to bring the country's travel media and tourism industry closer together to the benefit of the industry as a whole. Ten years later, the organization has grown to 400 plus members. Media contact: 2004 02 26 12:20 p.m. |
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