For two weeks, the world’s eyes turn to Canada. An occasional series highlighting clips and trips that show off the best.

by CTC News Staff 18 February 2010
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From Australia to Asia, America to Europe, the 2010 Winter Games is keeping Canada top of mind around the world. Our country has been getting some great coverage (admittedly some not so great too, but you have to take the rough with the smooth).

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has been assisting rights-holding broadcasters and other media to put their stories out, as well as showcasing Canada to the VIPs and dignitaries visiting these shores.

* American sportswriter Mary Carillo has just appeared on NBC’s TODAY Show discussing the “Polar Bear Pilgrimage” that she undertook last year. Carillo was one 14 international stars in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay chosen by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) in collaboration with the CTC. Her trip to Churchill, MB, highlighted ecotourism and described the area as “the bear vacation destination.” Watch the video.
* The TODAY Show struck the honeylode again in its “TODAY’s Northern Exposure” section. Intrepid presenter Lester Holt headed into British Columbia’s beautiful wilderness in search of grizzly bears in their natural habitat. He was lucky enough to see a white spirit bear along the way. Watch the video.
* Last week, Michele McKenzie, CTC president and CEO, headed a CTC delegation escorting some of the crème de la crème of the meetings, conventions and incentive travel industry. The “G10 of meeting planners” had a special Olympic VIP tour of BC and the Games.

Highlights included Vancouver’s best sights; a train ride to Whistler on the Rocky Mountaineer to get to the thick of the action; a whistle-stop trip to Richmond, BC, for some speed skating; and some of the region’s best dining experiences. According to Andrew Clark, CTC’s vice president of Market Development (and who was also on the trip), the visiting international presidents and CEOs were blown away by their time in Canada.

Merritt celebrates the Olympic Torch - country style.

Aaron Pritchett in Merritt, BC