Canada Is On A Roll

This country’s tourist trade is on a roll, with Destinations Canada president David Goldstein telling the opening of the Rendez-vous Canada show — which promotes Canada to international travellers — in Montreal on Sunday that 2015 amounted to a banner year, reports Press Today’s Ian Stalker.

Goldstein told his audience that growth in Canada’s tourist trade last year surpassed the average world growth percentage-wise for the first time in 14 years.

“Canada [is] back on the map,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein cited several reasons for the improved performance, including a streamlined visa process and increased promotion in the United States.

Tourism authorities are hoping Canada sees 20 million tourist visitations by the year 2020.

Goldstein said Canada must convince international travellers that this country — known for its natural side — offers interesting urban and cultural experiences, with Canada being home to some of “the coolest things that you can be able to see on this planet.”

Goldstein also praised the host Montreal, labelling it a “magnificent city.”

This year’s Rendez-vous has drawn over 1,680 delegates,  breaking attendance records for the 40-year-old show.