Travel

Canada 2017: Maple Leaf Land Beckons

by India Blooms News Service / TWF 30 Nov 2016, 09:31 am

In 2017, Canada celebrates its 150th birthday with grand yearlong events. The land of Maple leaf woos tourists like never before. Sujoy Dhar reports from Montreal after visiting Destination Canada's GoMedia marketplace

In Montreal's Marriott Chateau Champlain hotel, the journalists staying in the chic suites at the invitation of Destination Canada returned to room one afternoon to find a diary-shaped packet delivered. 

The tourism promotion wings of Canada are in a spree, laying out a red carpet of invitation to the world to celebrate the 150 year long journey of a truly rainbow nation endowed with unparalleled natural beauty and landscapes. 

Destination Canada Chief Marketing Officer Jon Mamela, who informs that visitors from countries like India are only growing, says  2017 is "a great opportunity for us." According to Destination Canada, 8.5 million traveller came to Canada in the summer of 2016 to explore the country and such figures are only likely to go up in the year of its celebrations when they even make the national parks free for tourists. 

In cities like Toronto or Montreal, the atmosphere is spiriting. 

Says Ronald Holgerson, President & CEO, OTMPC:  “We look forward to celebrating Ontario’s milestone as one of the founding members of Confederation. The many signature events planned will showcase Ontario’s rich culture, sport, innovation and diversity, delight and captivate domestic and international visitors, and are sure to inspire their return, thereby supporting OTMPC’s vision to position Ontario as a preferred global destination.”

 "Ottawa 2017 is set to galvanize national pride from Canadians of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life — boosting tourism and generating a massive economic impact in the process. It will have over a $230M in GDP impact and generate more than 3,000 jobs to the province’s economy. 

“Canada continues to be one of the worlds most sought after destinations and the Aboriginal stories across Canada are in demand – evident by the popularity of table and full schedule at this year’s show.”

Says Howard Grieve, Travel Trade and Media Specialist with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:"We continue to implement a ten-year strategy focusing on the promotion of Remarkable Experiences, Destination Development, Consumer Marketing and the Travel Trade and Travel Media. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVRT) continues to be a prominent experience that is aligned with our Route97 campaign."

 

"The KVRT makes up 218 kms of the Trans Canada Trail (also referred to as The Great Trail) which will be a big part of the 2017 experiences being celebrated. Another area of focus is Wonder of Winter, non-ski activities including snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice fishing, with experiences tied to the wine industry and wildlife viewing. The Remarkable Experiences program is training stakeholders to refine their product offering and how they are presented and promoted in the new digital age," he says.

  

"Key themes that we intend to promote this year include culinary, wellness, outdoor adventure and eco tours, as well as bringing attention to our natural environment as the most unique desert landscape in Canada.”

According to Steve Paccagnan, President and CEO of Panorama Mountain Resort (Canadian Rockies, B.C), after their recent win at The World Snow Awards as North American Resort of the Year, they are more motivated than ever to provide guests with an exceptional and memorable on-mountain experience.