Tourism PEI and tourism operators from Prince Edward Island will soon be heading off for Rendez-vous Canada 1999. This event is Canada's premier annual international tourism industry marketplace hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada in cooperation with the Canadian tourism industry authorities and the private sector. It is estimated that between 1977 and 1991, participants generated over $2.85 billion of business as a result of participation at Rendez-vous Canada.
The event provides an annual opportunity for international buyers and media to meet suppliers of Canadian tourism products, services and information in one place for four days of programmed business appointments. The Rendez-vous Canada trade show provides international markets a number of opportunities to increase their awareness of Canada as a first-class travel destination. It allows attendees to learn about the range and number of new, internationally competitive Canadian tourism products offered for sale. Industry players, both in Canada and internationally, can learn about Canada's marketing activities and plans.
Prince Edward Island will be represented by Tourism PEI and the Capital Commission of PEI, the Confederation Centre of the Arts, Rodd Hotels and Resorts, Avonlea Tours, Keddy's Linkletter Inn, the Loyalist Country Inn, the Prince Edward Island as a Second Language School, and Prince Edward Tours.
"Rendezvous Canada provides an excellent opportunity for tourism operators and the Island in general to increase overall exposure," noted Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Tourism. "We take advantage of this international marketplace in cooperation with the various operators and the feedback we get each year is an invaluable tool for positioning ourselves as a first-class travel destination."
The resulting business is conducted between Canada's internationally competitive tourism industry sellers and International buyers such as foreign tour operators, wholesalers and packagers offering a wide array of business opportunities for Island companies.
Rendez-vous Canada 1999 will be held May 9-12, 1999, in Halifax, NS. Prince Edward Island participants expect to benefit from new relationships developed in this international marketplace. Japan, the United Kingdom and New England tour operators and packagers will be particular targets of the Island contingent.