Merritt Marketing Group

Social Christmas Message

2010-12-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-18T13:21:00.001-08:00

by CTC News Staff 18 February 2010
| Search for images of Canada at our Digital Asset Management site.

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.

2010-02-11T13:59:00.001-08:00

Aaron Pritchett in Merritt, BC

2010-02-11T11:46:00.001-08:00

How you can help in Haiti

2010-01-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but with the earthquake in Haiti
I found myself glued to the television and feeling rather helpless
in the face of all that devastation.

It's really hard to comprehend, not just that tens of thousands
have lost their lives, but that the living have virtually lost their
whole city. It will literally take generations to rebuild.

It kind of puts our small problems in perspective.

And it hopefully brings up the question, "What can I do?"

The answer is that you can make a donation. Perhaps you can do
more, but every single person can, at the very least, make a
donation that will go directly to aid in Haiti.

Below are links to a number of different trusted organizations that
will make sure your donation gets to Haiti and make a difference.
And even a small donation can help. I read yesterday that over
$50 Million has already been raised from small $5 to $10 donations
through cell phones and social media.

Here's a number of links that you can be assured will get your
money to Haiti. And, of course, fell free to donate to any other
reputable aid organization.

Habitat for Humanaity

Care

World Concern

Avaaz

2009-12-27T18:42:00.001-08:00

Promote Your Business

2009-12-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

Promote Your Business

The Higgins - BTS at Merritt Country Christmas

2009-12-03T15:17:00.001-08:00

The Higgins heat things up in Merritt

2009-12-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

The Higgins heat things up in Merritt

2009-12-01T20:59:00.001-08:00

Merritt Country Christmas Thank you

2009-12-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Merritt Country Christmas-
Have you ever wondered how the community is presented with such a wonderful event? From organizing over 70 floats for the parade to 45 Christmas wreaths for the silent auction to 57 creative crafters displays?

Well, just ask the volunteers of the Merritt Country Christmas Committee. These volunteers work tirelessly for months planning, organizing, fundraising and implementing the event. To round out the 3 day extravaganza, many additional volunteers help out with the fireworks display, hotdogs & hot chocolate, Santa’s Village, the Christmas concert and much more.

Country Christmas has become a great way for the community to come together, visitors from out of town look forward to the event as well. Top that off with the opening of Spirit Square – what a great way to celebrate the season!

One behalf of Tourism Merritt we would like to thank the Country Christmas Committee, for helping to make this wonderful weekend a reality… Amber Bjorkman -Chairperson, Nadia Hunter -City of Merritt Councilor, Mike Goetz -City of Merritt Councilor, Denise Kearney -Treasurer, Charlotte Martin -Secretary, Kurt Christopherson, Judy Fassbender, Etelka Gillespie, Mae Ketter, Gail McKee, Denise Nicholson.

And to the City of Merritt, Walk of Stars, Q101, R Brand Productions, Iron Mountain Music, all the artists (with a special shout-out to Spencer Vaughan…“Oh – the good ’ol hockey game…” great job, Spencer!), Olympic mascots, and all the other volunteers (you know who you are!).

Also the winner’s of the JRfm Country Christmas Weekend Getaway Contest: Monica, Brendon and their little daughter Vienna from Chilliwack thoroughly enjoyed the shopping spree and entertainment provided by local businesses.

Check out some pics and video at tourismmerritt.com

-thanks, Tourism Merritt

Merritt Country Christmas

2009-11-29T18:58:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Monica and Brendon - Winner's of the Merritt Country Christmas weekend getaway package on JRfm!

Nicola Water Use Management Plan (Draft)

2009-11-23T13:11:00.001-08:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Nicola Water Use Management Plan (Draft)

View more presentations from Nicola Water Use Management Plan.

CTC goes beyond 2010 Winter Games at TIAC industry summit.

2009-11-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

CTC goes beyond 2010 Winter Games at TIAC industry summit.

Social Media Revolution

2009-11-05T14:26:00.001-08:00

Win a trip for 2, River Rafting or a weekend at 7 Half Diamond Ranch

2009-10-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

Win a trip for 2, River Rafting or a weekend at 7 Half Diamond Ranch in Merritt, BC by giving your feedback! http://www.nicolawump.ca/

JRfm Rodeo Weekend Getaway Contest

2009-08-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

JRfm Rodeo Weekend Contest

Mike Fairfield on iLike - Get updates inside iTunes

Reasons to shop in downtown Merritt

2009-06-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

AUSTRALIAN FLAVOUR AT MERRITT MOUNTAINFEST

2009-06-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Canada’s premier country music festival features something a little different in 2009: a taste of Australia.

One of kangaroo country’s best exporting acts, Jetty Road, will be featured on the Mountainfest Main Stage on Sunday, July 12th at 1:15 p.m. Jetty Road (www.jettyroad.com) is a major force in the Aussie country scene.

Along with strong chart success, Jetty Road have twice taken home the TIARA Award for Best Group (2008 / 2009) and the Victorian Album of the Year at the 2008 Victorian and National Country Music Awards. Jetty Road also won Best Live Act honours at Tamworth Country Music Festival in year’s past.

The Mountainfest Activity Tent will be decked out Aussie style, giving festival goers a unique taste of Australia From July 9-11, the Activity Tent will host Aussie Hour from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Featuring: Jetty Road, Tori Darke (Australia’s 2008 Gympie Muster Festival Talent Champion), and Candice Long (2008 Gympie Muster Talent runner up)

Australia tourism officials and world class festivals like Tamworth and the National Country Music Muster in Gympie, Australia have donated flags, decorations and paraphernalia for the Activity Tent – making it a true cultural experience.

Get a taste of Australia at Merritt Mountainfest! July 9-12 in Merritt, B.C. www.mountainfest.com

For more info, or interviews with Jetty Road, contact: Lisa Saunders Sound Strategy Music 204.237.9120 204.799.4641 lisa@soundstrategy.ca www.soundstrategymusic.ca

Fears of a potential flu pandemic could deal tourism industry another body blow.

2009-06-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

CTC Tourism Intelligence Bulletin examines the impact of the H1N1 virus, a rise in Canadian domestic travel intentions and signs of international optimism.

It’s been another tough period for the industry. If the global recession wasn’t bad enough, fears of a flu pandemic evoked memories of the SARS crisis in 2003 and its harsh impact on travel.

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) Tourism Intelligence Bulletin monitors the tourism industry around the world. This May issue features tourism intelligence gathered in March and April 2009.

Other bulletin highlights include:

A survey before the flu outbreak suggested a significant rise in Canadians who plan to vacation at home, while US vacation intentions dropped to a new low.
Global business volumes continue to plummet, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The number of premium-class passengers fell 21% in February 2009.
Americans see travel as more affordable now, but still plan to cut spending.
The UK’s two biggest travel companies, Thomas Cook and TUI, were more upbeat about the UK market in their latest trading updates.
The Chinese government forecasts a solid rise in Chinese outbound trips this year.

Read the complete Tourism Intelligence Bulletin for March to April 2009.

Aboriginal tourism opportunities for Canada

2008-06-20T09:32:00.001-07:00

June 19, 2008

	In celebration of National Aboriginal Day on June 21, 2008, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is releasing a recent research report on the Aboriginal tourism market potential from the CTC's three primary European tourism markets - the UK, Germany and France. Research objectives were designed to establish the demand for Aboriginal tourism experiences in Canada, and then to provide the CTC, provincial/territorial partners and the Aboriginal tourism industry at large with market insights, perceptions, motivators and expectation on aboriginal cultural tourism experiences. Efforts brokered by Aboriginal Tourism Canada in 2007 led to the creation of a multi-provincial partnership to undertake this project. The partners include the CTC, Aboriginal Tourism Canada, Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia, Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture, Northwest Territories Tourism, Tourism Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick Tourism and Parks. The report highlights: * European demand for Aboriginal tourism * What Canadian Aboriginal experiences can drive European visitation * What are the underlying motivations of Aboriginal experience seekers * Canada's relative competitive position vis-à-vis other notable destinations for Aboriginal tourism experiences. * Profiling key traveller prospects * European travel trade perspectives Among the key findings: * The percentage of potential travellers to Canada who are interested in Aboriginal products is substantial in France (85%), Germany (72%), and the UK (46%). * Aboriginal tourism experiences can be highly motivating, but Aboriginal tourism is not a primary driver or motivation to visit Canada. It is a value-added opportunity for travellers to include in their travel plans once they arrive here. * European Aboriginal experience seekers are very clear on what they want and do not want in terms of Aboriginal tourism products. Products that include their participation and provide enriching experiences are highly valued, while products that are entertainment-oriented and distance the traveller from the Aboriginal people are of lesser value and interest. * European travellers seek the sense of discovery and adventure. In the context of Canadian Aboriginal tourism, this means authentic interaction with Aboriginal people, guiding them through Canada's beautiful and scenic natural environment. These travellers are relentless in achieving self-discovery through Aboriginal tourism experiences, demand authenticity and scrutinize products thoroughly. They know that a good experience will lead to self-discovery, because of the self-reflection these kinds of trips create. The opportunity to feel something different and do something different in a unique environment through a unique culture is the strongest emotional trigger. * European travellers under age 50 have more enthusiasm for physical involvement, including canoeing, kayaking, dog-sledding, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. Those over 50 are more interested in softer activities like hiking, walks, nature observation, and indoor activities. * The tourist profile index is higher on being married, no children, and better educated. Generally they seek information on Aboriginal tourism when they are at the country destination; source media most likely to be used for Aboriginal tourism products are the internet, word of mouth and magazines. European travel trade respondents who had included Aboriginal tourism products in Canadian tours and packages had mixed reactions. Some were impressed with the quality and authenticity; however in other cases, based on previous experience, they were concerned the products may not yet be market-ready. They were most impressed with experiential products where there is an opportunity to participate in traditional activities with Aboriginal people. They are still impressed with traditional regalia, although recognize this is only worn on ceremonial occasions or for special performances and competitions. However, the travel trade reacts very negatively to anything that seems artificial or overly staged specifically for visitors. They are very negative towards "fake" crafts and souvenirs. "The research clearly points to the opportunity in European markets for Canadian Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences," says Paul Nursey, CTC's manager for product innovation and enhancement. "The research also provides Canadian Aboriginal tourism stakeholders who have interest in global market development, with key insights into the experiential travel values sought by European visitors within our three principal source markets. This is key information for them when it comes to programming and marketing their product offering." To download this report, please visit www.corporate.canada.travel where it can be retrieved from the "Latest Publications" section.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Edmonton Tourism launches summer campaign

2008-06-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

une 10, 2008

	Edmonton Tourism's 2008 summer campaign was launched this week to increase Greater Edmonton's share of summer tourists from within Alberta as well as select markets in Saskatchewan, B.C., Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Messages will be timed to profile Edmonton's incredible variety of festivals, attractions and sporting events. The campaign will also promote major events and exhibits such as the Rexall Edmonton Indy, Body Worlds 1 (at Telus World of Science) and Dragons - Between Science and Fiction (at the Royal Alberta Museum). Regions within driving distance of Edmonton will be targeted using a multi-media campaign involving direct mail, web communications and print advertising -- including a two-page spread in Westworld magazine (which has one million-plus readers). Website engages visitors and locals Audiences will be directed to visit the campaign website at www.edmonton.com/tourism for a comprehensive guide on what to see and do in Greater Edmonton. The campaign will encourage local residents to become tourism ambassadors for the region. Residents can invite family and friends to visit Edmonton through the Visiting Friends & Relatives (VFR) program. This summer's campaign is a partnership between Edmonton Tourism, the Destination Marketing Hotels of Edmonton, the Edmonton and Area Tourism Destination Region, and 15-plus tourism industry partners.

	Author: Cathy Ennis Organization: Edmonton Tourism

Gold Country celebrates Ashcroft

2008-06-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2008

	A beautifully, sunny Ashcroft day greeted the 14 participants in this year's first Gold Country Familiarization (FAM) tour enthusiastically hosted by museum curator, Kathy Paulos. The fourteen ladies enjoyed a day touring Ashcroft and learning the great history, recreation opportunities & even ghost stories too! Wednesday, May 28th was the day to show off Ashcroft to Info Centre staff, tourism business operators, heritage society members and others who refer the traveling public to visit this great region. The tour began at the museum with a guided historical slide show and tour, followed by a guided trip along the Heritage Walking Tour. Kathy Paulos shares "a big thank you to Safety Mart Foods, Royal LePage Crossroads Realty and the Village of Ashcroft for sponsoring our lunch and a thank you to the Ashcroft Secondary School Culinary program for preparing the bunwiches!" An afternoon bus tour featured the park and pool, Desert Hills, Evans Road to the slough, the Chinese Cemetery and a tour of Sundance Guest Ranch. Manager Uli Payer guided the FAM participants through the facilities, shared some refreshments & wrapped up with some great ghost stories. FAM tours offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your community, featuring what you have to offer both local visitors and tourists. With improved networking and a greater understanding of the tourism opportunities in our rural communities we can increase both visits and revenues for local businesses and improve the visitor experiences for those touring the region. www.exploregoldcountry.com

	Author: Amy Thacker Organization: Gold Country E-mail: amy.gccs@telus.net

Edmonton Tourism launches summer campaign

2008-06-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

June 4, 2008

	Edmonton Tourism's 2008 summer campaign was launched this week to increase Greater Edmonton's share of summer tourists from within Alberta as well as select markets in Saskatchewan, B.C., Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Messages will be timed to profile Edmonton's incredible variety of festivals, attractions and sporting events. The campaign will also promote major events and exhibits such as the Rexall Edmonton Indy, Body Worlds 1 (at Telus World of Science) and Dragons - Between Science and Fiction (at the Royal Alberta Museum). Regions within driving distance of Edmonton will be targeted using a multi-media campaign involving direct mail, web communications and print advertising -- including a two-page spread in Westworld magazine (which has one million-plus readers). Audiences will be directed to visit the campaign website at www.edmonton.com/tourism for a comprehensive guide on what to see and do in Greater Edmonton. This summer's campaign is a partnership between Edmonton Tourism, the Destination Marketing Hotels of Edmonton, the Edmonton and Area Tourism Destination Region, and 15-plus tourism industry partners.

	Author: Cathy Ennis Organization: Edmonton Economic Development Corp.

A contest to help industry's bottom-line

2008-06-05T09:45:00.001-07:00

June 4, 2008

	Tourism Saskatchewan launches its seventh annual Snap It! The Great Saskatchewan Photo Contest as part of Tourism Awareness Week, celebrated throughout the province June 1 to 7, 2008. This contest has a number of benefits for Tourism Saskatchewan. Last year, the contest brought in nearly 1,000 images from both amateur and professional photographers. Some of these images have been purchased from the owners and used in Tourism Saskatchewan's guidebooks and its annual calendar. There are six categories to enter: * Saskatchewan People - Photos that reflect the character and spirit of Saskatchewan citizens. (No studio photography) * Nature in Saskatchewan - Photos of flora and fauna in natural habitat. * Prairie Scenic - Scenic photos from prairie regions of Saskatchewan, including traditional scenes, as well as hidden treasures such as the Qu'Appelle Valley, hills and badlands, and features not typically categorized as "prairie." * Woods and Water - Scenic photos reflecting parkland, boreal forest and/or lake settings. * My Saskatchewan Vacation - Photos of people having fun during their vacation in our province. Images may capture adventure, recreation, relaxation or celebration at a favourite Saskatchewan attraction, event or destination. * Towns and Cities - Photos that reflect the character and spirit of Saskatchewan communities. Entrants come from all over North America. There is no fee to participate, and entries may be submitted electronically or via mail. www.sasktourism.com/snapit

	Author: Leanne Burak Organization: Tourism Saskatchewan

Online spending outpaces traditional avenues

2008-06-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

June 4, 2008

	Due primarily to the "inability of newspapers, magazines, radio and TV to prove return on advertising investment," spending on online promotions will nearly triple to $22.8 billion by 2012 from $8 billion last year, based on a study by Borrell Associates called "The Big Shift", reports TravelMole's David Wilkening. A May 2008 Business Week article said that coupon Web sites are getting more traffic this year. The magazine cited March 2008 comScore data showed an increase of 38% from the same time last year. Some marketers are using other digital channels for promotions. An Online Testing eXchange study commissioned by SeeSaw Networks and the American Association of Advertising Agencies found that more than half of US mobile users would text in response to digital outdoor promotions.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

The Okanagan Welcomes The Outback

2008-03-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

March 5, 2008

	Set to open in May 2008, The Outback is the Okanagan's first and only waterfront vacation home resort rental community. Tucked on 60-acres of woodlands on the shores of Okanagan Lake, The Outback offers guests an exclusive vacation experience complete with a private beach and marina, pool, hot tubs, tennis courts and fitness centre. The Outback's gives vacationers the flexibility to choose from over 40 vacation properties ranging from two to three bedroom cottages, cabins and townhomes to spectacular, architecturally-unique private Ridge Homes as large as 4000 square feet with uninterrupted views of Okanagan Lake. Inspired by the breathtaking surroundings, all of the properties feature stunning accents of heavy timbers and local rockwork. No matter where guests choose to stay, they can have the option of complete privacy for an uninterrupted holiday, or choose from a wide variety of activities available. Neighbouring Ellison Provincial Park, The Outback is located a 35-minute drive from Kelowna International Airport and a short 15-minute drive from downtown Vernon. Offering a host of year-round activities for all ages and interests from biking and hiking to skiing and snowboarding, the region also boasts some of the finest golf courses including the award-winning Predator Ridge Golf Resort with 27 championship holes in a unique blend of open, links-style and traditional tree-lined fairways. www.theoutbackresort.com

Vancouver Company Leads Social Media Initiative at World's Largest Tradeshow

2008-03-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

February 29, 2008

	North Vancouver based tourism technology company, Sentias Software Corp, has partnered with PhoCusWright, the travel industry research authority, to create the PhoCusWright@ITB Bloggers Summit from March 5-6th in Berlin. This is the first international travel & tourism industry blogger event in history, and has attracted bloggers from over a dozen different countries. One highlight from the summit is the Blogger workshops sponsored by the Tips from the T-List. These unique workshops are opened to the public and offer insights from the worlds most influential bloggers. "Travel industry bloggers are impacting the industry; PhoCusWright is enabling the blogging community with exclusive content and press credibility," said Stephen Joyce, publisher of the Tips from the T-List book and CEO of Sentias Software. "Bringing an international group of key travel industry bloggers together will strengthen the community and give great insights to our readers," added Mr. Joyce. The Tips from the T-List is a non-profit partnership that collaborates with the most influential travel industry bloggers to produce workshops, blogger summits, and both a print and e-version of their innovative Tips From The T-List book. The Tips From the T-List has partnered with Canada-e-Connect (Vancouver, Canada), PhoCusWright (Orlando, FL United States), Travolution (London, United Kingdom), and the Web-In-Travel conference (Singapore). The book is relevant for executives, marketers, and decision makers from the travel industry. The Tips from the T-List is evolving and changing to incorporate the latest trends in the travel industry; an ITB-specific edition is planned for The PhoCusWright@ITB Bloggers Summit in March. www.Sentias.com

	Author: Philip Caines Organization: Sentias Software Corp E-mail: phil.caines@rezgo.com

Corporate social responsibility in travel on the upswing

2008-02-14T10:36:00.001-08:00

February 13, 2008

	In just over two short years since the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) introduced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a major industry initiative, the number of travellers and companies embracing environmental awareness has more than doubled, according to an industry-wide survey conducted jointly by ACTE and KDS, a travel management group. The survey indicates 59% of respondents' companies now have a CSR charter, and that the same percentage of their travellers looks to these charters in making environmentally sound travel decisions. Quoted by Michael Verikios in Travel Daily News, ACTE's executive director Susan Gurley says this is a major industry shift that goes beyond a trend or a public relations campaign: "It is the beginning of behavioral change that clearly indicates companies and their travellers support corporate social responsibility because it is the right thing to do."

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

NiagaraPalooza: Re-thinking our Cities

2008-02-08T04:21:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2008

	Community and business leaders, local politicians, senior municipal staff, and residents interested in a more prosperous Niagara took part in "NiagaraPalooza: Re-thinking our Cities," held January 31, in Niagara Falls. Organized by the Niagara Economic Development Corporation and marketed as "a sensory explosion featuring art, wine, music, and conversation," NiagaraPalooza featured compelling examples and strategies of how cities and regions around the world have taken charge of their futures with bold initiatives and great successes, while challenging Niagara to chart a course to enhance its economic future in the months and years to come. "It's gratifying to see the overwhelming interest and support for Niagara's future. We welcomed over 500 delegates and had a long waiting list of many more wanting to be part of this Niagara showcase," stated Patrick Gedge, chief executive officer of the Niagara Economic Development Corporation. "With such great interest, I am confident we will develop appropriate strategies and partnerships to grow our economy and strengthen our region." The dynamic program of high-profile speakers featured Richard Florida, professor of business and creativity and author of The Rise of the Creative Class; Professor Eddie Friel O.B.E., visiting professor in residence, Niagara University and leader of Glasgow's successful bid to become the Cultural Capital of Europe, 1990; and Tim Jones, CEO, Artscape. These experts on urban issues offered their varied experiences and perspectives on successful approaches to revitalizing cities, regions, and their respective economies. Creative talents from across Niagara were also on display at NiagaraPalooza. Niagara's own two-time Juno Award winner Ron Sexsmith headlined the many performers, while television personality Donna Skelly, co-host of Live at 5:30 on CHCH News, chaired the event and served as moderator for the panel discussion. Local success stories, particularly the recent announcement of nGen, Niagara's new media incubator, and personal commentary from Jack Lightstone, president of Brock University, as well as thoughts from a panel of noted community leaders served to confirm that momentum is building in the region to develop a brand and strategy extolling the virtues of living and doing business in Niagara.

	Author: Mark Brickell Organization: Niagara Economic Development Corporation

Global Leaders Offer Real Solutions at CEO Challenge

2008-02-08T04:17:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2008

	Qantas Airways' Mr Geoff Dixon; Accor Asia Pacific's Mr David Baffsky; Jones Lang LaSalle Asia Pacific's Mr Peter Barge; and many others are newly confirmed participants in the interactive PATA CEO Challenge 2008. Many of these cross-sector leaders will share real initiatives, strategies and plans to fight climate change, during innovative "Boardroom Challenge" breakout sessions. Here are four examples: Airlines: Virgin Atlantic Airlines' Mr Barry Humphreys will explain how money from Virgin Atlantic's offset scheme is funding clean energy in poor countries. Airports: Discover how Munich Airport is partnering with the public sector to reduce its carbon footprint. Mr Peter Trautmann will explain how MUC is pioneering hydrogen fuel for its passenger buses and other airport vehicles. Destinations: Sri Lanka wants to become a truly carbon-neutral destination. Mr Renton de Alwis will explain how the Sri Lanka Tourism Board is driving the ambitious Earth Lung initiative in partnership with the private sector, consumer groups and other government departments. Hotels and Resorts: Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts' Mr KP Ho will tell how he was inspired to implement simple, effective measures to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs at his properties. Mr Geoffrey Lipman, Assistant Secretary-General of UNWTO, will join the Challenge to update participants on the United Nations' and UNWTO's progress towards a framework for carbon emissions reduction and industry sustainability, and explain the practical implications for our industry. Other recently confirmed participants include First Choice Holidays' Ms Jane Ashton; Air Transport Action Group (ATAG)'s Mr Philippe Rochat; Expedia Asia Pacific's Mr Henrik Kjellberg; and many others. The PATA CEO Challenge 2008: Confronting Climate Change will take place April 29-30 in Bangkok, Thailand. www.ceochallenge.PATA.org

	Author: Oliver Martin Organization: Pacific Asia Travel Association

Air Canada customers to access hotels.com on Air Canada web site

2008-02-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

February 5, 2008

	Air Canada has signed a long-term strategic partnership with hotels.com, an operating company of Expedia, Inc. The multi-year agreement enables Air Canada customers to access the full range of hotels.com inventory - more than 75,000 properties worldwide - on aircanada.com. Customers also have the opportunity to earn Aeroplan miles for qualified hotel bookings they make on the airline's site.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Mexico market reaches record growth in November

2008-02-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

February 5, 2008

	Trips from Mexico posted the largest growth rate of all Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) key markets (31.3%) in November, 2007, according to the November edition of the Tourism Snapshot. In the same month, and spurred by exceptional gains in Australia, France and the UK, CTC key overseas markets experienced a growth rate of 3.0% over the previous year. Tourism Snapshot (November) is now available at www.canada.travel/research.

What a Hoot

2008-02-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

We had a visitor today.
Perched on a treebranch in our front yard, I was amazed to see this beautiful creature seemed quite content to allow me a close-up.
I don't know much about owls, so I looked it up.
This guy is known as the Northern Barred Owl, Swamp Owl, Striped Owl, Hoot Owl, Eight hooter, Round-headed Owl, Le Chat-huant du Nord (French for "The Hooting Cat of the North"), Wood Owl, and Rain Owl. It is also mistakenly known as a Bard Owl.

Have you heard about the "Long Tail" of tourism

2008-02-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

January 31, 2008

	The term "long tail" was coined (or first used) by Chris Anderson of Wired magazine in 2004 in his essay by the same title. It tries to describe a new business phenomenon/model in the age of the Web 2.0 (new search engine algorithms, user reviews, recommendations, etc.) Anderson focused on entertainment products like books, films and cd's to illustrate the dramatic change that the Web has brought to the economics of selling audiovisual products and books. The model suggests that while there is a market dominated by "hits" the Web is creating large markets from the "misses"? This refers to out-of-print or obscure books that can be reprinted in limited runs based on online demand (Amazon) or eclectic music that bands can sell online, but cannot distribute through brick and mortar channels. When it comes to tourism, analysts and eTourism practitioners are using the term to describe how the overal tourism market can grow (the long tail) through Web 2.0 phenomena like user generated content, hotel reviews, recommendations, inexpensive online booking engines, etc. But what does this mean to small tourism businesses and destinations? If Niagara, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are our "hits", what about places like Whitehorse or Sacacomie or Pictou? The model suggests that the Web 2.0 (social media, social networks, video and podcast websites, etc.) provide small businesses the opportunity to compete as the "misses" of the market. They can do this by not only SEO and SEM (search engine optimization and marketing), but also by participating in the Web 2.0 environment through social media and particularly the growing number of niche social networks. Small businesses (or destinations) that succeed in this will grow the market for the big players as well since travelers will still need to travel through the main gateway destinations to get to the small ones. For example, the Polar Bear Habitat and Village in Cochrane Ontario could work on a campaign to participate in relevant niche social networks keeping members informed about their bears with news and stories. This would attract some people to travel to Cochrane to see the polar bears there (but they would also need to visit other destinations in order to get there). While this may attract small numbers of visitors, the idea of the "long tail" is that if the numbers of niche small businesses and destinations doing this grows sufficiently then the total numbers can be significant and benefit the entire market. Another area that can add to the growth of the long tail of tourism is the use of technology like online reservation systems that more and more are becoming cost effective for small businesses allowing them to offer online bookings when they don't have the critical mass to partner with large online distributors. www.canadiantourismblog.ca

Travel execs thinking green?

2008-02-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

January 31, 2008

	Business travel behaviour is beginning to change in response to global warming concerns, according to a report by Phil Davies in TravelMole. The Association of Corporate Travel Executives and KDS has polled over 250 corporate travellers and travel managers, finding that nearly half felt that guilt about global warming now directly impacts individuals' decisions about business travel. The study will show that the proportion of companies advocating a reduction in travel for environmental reasons has leapt from under a quarter to more than one third in a year. This rise in corporate social responsibility has also seen a marked increase in the proportion of travel departments reporting on carbon emissions to senior management. The findings, due to be revealed at next month's Business Travel Show in London, will also reveal that in the past 12 months businesses have done more to convert good environmental intentions into firm actions.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

PATA CEO CHALLENGE GOES LIVE ON CNN

2008-02-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

January 31, 2008

	Millions of CNN viewers across Asia Pacific will soon know that the travel and tourism industry is responding pro-actively to the threat of climate change through the PATA CEO Challenge. A three-week campaign, due to launch on CNN's Asia network next Tuesday (February 4), features two 30-second commercials with the message: "In the fight against climate change, losing is not an option." In the commercials, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts Executive Chairman Mr KP Ho and PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong urge travel industry leaders to join the PATA CEO Challenge in Bangkok on April 29-30 to "be part of the solution". The campaign was produced with the support of PATA member ad agency TBWA-ISC\Malaysia, which donated its creative services, and PATA Premier Partner CNN. The ads will air in morning and evening prime-time slots across 25 destinations in Asia Pacific including China (PRC), Hong Kong (SAR), Singapore, Korea (ROK), Thailand, Indonesia and Australia. "The campaign serves two purposes: it targets travel industry leaderswho we want to join the Challenge, and it delivers an important message to the wider CNN audience that travel and tourism not only recognises the dangers of climate change but is working hard tocounter the impacts," said Mr de Jong. "I would like to thank TBWA-ISC\Malaysia and CNN for helping to get the campaign to air." View the ads. www.ceochallenge.pata.org

	Author: Oliver Martin Organization: PATA

Time is Now for Small Travel Businesses to Get On-line

2008-01-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

January 29, 2008

	In an effort to prepare for the Olympics, travel suppliers are encouraged to adapt new technology. As the Olympics draw near Stephen Joyce, President of the North American Chapter of the International Federation for IT, Travel & Tourism (IFITT), is encouraging all travel suppliers to start the process of finding technology solutions that will make their products and services available on the Internet, to visitors from around the world. At the IFITT Enter 2008 Conference held in Innsbruck, Austria, over 250 tourism technology experts and researchers discussed the impact of technology on tourism and trends in on-line travel. "What we are seeing now is that consumers are becoming more and more sophisticated in their use of the Internet. Based on current research, the majority of travelers coming to Vancouver for the Olympics will be making their bookings on-line. Travel suppliers who don't provide products on-line will not benefit from this shift." says Mr. Joyce. "In addition, travelers will be making their purchasing decisions over the next year and a half. If travel suppliers want to be part of the on-line booking trend, they will need to make the leap this year." Local tourism organizations like Tourism Vancouver, Tourism BC, and others will all be working hard over the next sixteen months to showcase the lower mainland and the province as an exciting destination. Small travel suppliers represent the largest and most diverse sector of tourism in BC. Estimates indicate that there are around 1800 small tourism companies in the province with close to 80% of them having little to no Internet presence. Mr. Joyce added "We have such a great opportunity to take advantage of the marketing that organizations like the Canadian Tourism Commission, Tourism BC, Tourism Vancouver, and others are doing right now. There are a number of powerfully simple technology solutions available to travel suppliers, many of which are developed right here in B.C." The biggest hurdle for many suppliers is not the technology but rather their business processes. Researchers from Finland, Norway, and Spain identified that small travel suppliers often have a hard time structuring their product offerings in a way that makes them easy to purchase on-line. Before a travel product can be purchased on-line it must be organized in a simple straightforward manner. Mr. Joyce and IFITT are hoping to work with local tourism organizations to educate travel suppliers on new technologies and business practices and to encourage the use of technology in order to promote and sell B.C. travel products to a Global market that is already turning its eyes towards Canada. www.ifitt.org

	Author: Stephen Joyce Organization: International Federation for IT & Tourism and Travel

What does Success Look Like For BC Tourism?

2008-01-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

January 25, 2008

	Confirmed speakers Peter Yesawich, John Furlong (CEO VANOC), Tamara Vrooman, (CEO VANCITY), Jim Faccette (CEO Canadian Airports Council) award winning journalists Heather Hanson and Kim Lisagor, and Dr. Roberta Bondar are examples of the exceptional presenters lined up for this year's BC Tourism Industry Conference, Feb 20-22, 2008 at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver, BC. Truly the number one tourism industry networking event of the year, tourism key influencers will converge in Vancouver for this annual conference where decisions are made, relationships are built and in depth, insider knowledge is shared. "We are seeing that markets are down, border crossings are delayed and finding skilled labour is an issue. Yet, many operators are telling us they are experiencing record results. It is a volatile time in our industry, with incredible opportunities on our horizon," says Council of Tourism Associations BC President & CEO, Stephen Regan. "We have worked hard at bringing the best minds to Vancouver, including students from across the province who are interested in working in the industry. This conference has built a reputation for being one of the best investments of the year for tourism operators and owners and we have worked hard to ensure the program this year continues to deliver." Keynotes include an update on 2010 and the resulting human legacies that will continue to propel B.C. forward as a top tourism destination, and a review of emerging lifestyles and travel trends and the implications for marketing B.C. to the world, by perennial favourite Peter Yesawich. Concurrent sessions will cover recruitment and retention of valuable employees including reaching into foreign markets for skilled labour, how B.C. can lead in sustainable tourism, an update on the opportunities in aboriginal, sport, heritage and arts tourism, and the latest award winners will be announced at the eighth annual B.C. Tourism Awards. www.bctourismindustryconference.ca

	Author: Deirdre Campbell

Tourism Saskatchewan Launches Website Re-Design

2008-01-23T05:50:00.000-08:00

January 22, 2008

	Tourism Saskatchewan launched its redesigned consumer website on January 10, 2008. After nearly a year of planning, research and dedication by Tourism Saskatchewan's Marketing Department and IT team, there was great anticipation and celebration as the new and improved www.sasktourism.com was revealed. Visitors to the site will be immediately struck by breathtaking photography, vivid colour, cutting-edge design elements and enriching content that better addresses current trends in online travel planning. Introductory pages are available in six additional languages: French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Traditional features have been enhanced, with Live Chat, email and search options more clearly identified and easily accessible. A convenient new feature is the mapping tool that boosts search categories and identifies specific attractions, services and accommodations within a community. Feedback from visitors to the site has been extremely positive, with customers most impressed by the ease of navigation and the striking imagery. The site portrays the beauty of Saskatchewan and entices travellers to find out more about activities and attractions in the province. The site's focus on design and imagery is obvious. Less obvious, but just as important, is the increased focus on search engine optimization. More relevant content and thoughtful technical application will ensure that this site's rankings will improve in search engines such as Google, MSN and Yahoo. Within 72 hours of launching the site, significant improvements were noted for key topics within Google search rankings. Tourism Saskatchewan members will benefit from increased traffic on their sites generated by product listings and links embedded within site content. An improved banner ad system includes new opportunities for text-based advertisements, as well as traditional image based advertisements on many pages throughout the site. "This new design will boost our province's performance in the fiercely competitive world of tourism marketing," says Candace Phelps, Vice-President and Director of Marketing. "As website work and upgrades continue, www.sasktourism.com will evolve and become a more valuable service to Tourism Saskatchewan members, to the industry and, most importantly, to travellers planning a Saskatchewan vacation." "Tourism Saskatchewan's marketing and IT teams, along with contract partners, have poured their heart and soul into this project," comments Grant McDonald, Manager of Information Technology. "From the intuitive layout, beautiful design, and content development through to the technical implementation, the effort has been outstanding."

	Author: Susan Parkin Organization: Tourism Saskatchewan E-mail: susan.parkin@sasktourism.com

Calgary Stampede announces key development partnership

2008-01-23T05:32:00.001-08:00

Calgary – The Calgary Stampede today announced it has struck an exclusive agreement with Alberta Development Partners to explore the development of a main street retail zone at Stampede Park. Alberta Development Partners is a Colorado-based real estate firm specializing in the development of large-scale, mixed-use retail projects.

“The development of a main street retail area is a key piece of our vision of transforming Stampede Park into a year-round destination for Calgarians and visitors,” says Doug Armitage, vice-president of business development, Calgary Stampede. “We are excited to explore the possibilities for this project with Alberta Development Partners, which has an impressive track record for these types of projects.”
The main street concept is envisioned to be a vibrant and attractive retail area that welcomes local and international visitors throughout the year with markets, shops, restaurants and other amenities. Stampede main street will be located between 12^th Avenue and 14^th Avenue S.E. along Olympic Way S.E.

“Our team is honored to have been selected by the Calgary Stampede to be part of this process in exploring the development of a retail area at Stampede Park,” said Don Provost, principal, Alberta Development Partners. “We look forward to partnering with the Stampede to create a destination that Calgarians and visitors from around the world will enjoy for years to come.”

Alberta Development Partners, along with Rencor Developments Inc, Calgary, Alta. and Thomas Consultants, Vancouver, BC, are leading the development team, which also includes Communication Arts, Boulder, Colo. and Cohos Evamy, Calgary, Alta.

###

The Calgary Stampede is a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. The Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through its world-renowned 10-day Calgary Stampede, year-round facilities, products and services, and agricultural programs that foster understanding of the agricultural industry. All revenue generated is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

Alberta Development Partners, LLC is engaged in the acquisition, development and investment of retail, mixed-use and residential real estate opportunities located throughout the western United States. In total, Alberta and its principals have completed in excess of 220 projects with combined value of more that $1.5 billion. In combination with the projects currently underway, Alberta has developed in excess of twelve million square feet of retail, office and residential space.

Trends 2008, from the American Hotel & Lodging prez

2008-01-23T05:13:00.000-08:00

American Hotel & Lodging president Joe McInerney, for a USA TODAY article on travel trends 2008, due to run Friday.

He had lots of hotel scoop, and here are some highlights:

1. "Probably the No. 1 (trend) is the greening of the hotel industry. If you would have talked about this a year ago, they would have looked at you as if you had two heads. Every hotel company now has an environmental specialist, and we're working with all of them to develop a certification program ... with someone doing an inspection, not just trusting (self-reported eco programs). They've got to have proof they're doing it. We're working with AAA, so it could affect their (hotel) ratings."

2. The average daily hotel rate in 2008 broke the $100 barrier for the first time ever, he says. "If we have a recession, I don't think rates will go down dramatically. We'll be OK in a recession. We have just 5% more rooms than we had at 9/11. The supply hasn't caught up with the demand. .. I don't think you're going to see discounting."

3. "We've been through the bed and pillow wars,so it will be interesting to see where we go. Everybody's changing armoires to dressers and putting in the flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. I see more research into what the consumer wants in the last five years than in the past 40 years. The technology is what the 20- and 30-year-old group is looking for." As for Joe, "All I want is a radio where you know where the button is to turn it on and off."

As for you, readers, what are your thoughts about hotels going "green" and eco-conscious? Do you look for a hotel that is ecologically friendly? And on a more mundane level, do you prefer TVs in armoires or out?

Enhanced driver's license will ease travel to Canada

2008-01-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2008

	If other American states follow suit, a new initiative in the State of Washington could bode well for rubber-tire and cruise-ship travel to Canadian destinations. According to Joseph Turner in the Tacoma News Tribune, Washington will start issuing its "super" driver's license in January, mostly to ease travel across the Canadian border while complying with the federal government's need to know who is coming into the United States. The super license will be an accepted form of identification - all by itself - for Washington residents returning from Canada by land or sea. The new license, with its enhanced features, will cost $40 ($15 more than the fee for a standard driver's license) and it's good for five years. That's cheaper than a passport, but Americans returning to Washington by airplane from any country, including Canada, will still need a US passport to satisfy federal Homeland Security workers at airports; the passport requirement for air travel from outside the US is already in effect. After Jan. 31, people coming back into Washington from Canada who don't have a passport or an enhanced license will need a standard license plus a birth certificate.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Content-rich media trumps traveller reviews

2008-01-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

January 11, 2008

	TravelDailyNews.com reports that when it comes to making travel purchasing decisions, most American travellers would rather see the options for themselves than simply act on the recommendations of others. In fact, travellers want to view the options in detail via pictures, online maps and video. "For travel shoppers, seeing really is believing. The fact that travellers find these visual tools to be so influential suggests that online rich media, including content-rich, three-dimensional maps, will be an increasingly important part of the travel-planning process," said Cathy Schetzina, director, research at PhoCusWright. "Traveller review sites that incorporate these visual elements are likely to be more appealing." The growth of Web 2.0 technologies has garnered a great deal of attention in the past several years and has been accompanied by a parallel phenomenon in travel - Travel 2.0, as PhoCusWright calls it. The Travel 2.0 Consumer Technology Survey assesses a range of technologies, including social networks, rich media, blogs, RSS, podcasting, mobile technology, tagging and online maps. The survey's analysis identifies technology adoption rates, overall trends associated with various demographic factors, and patterns of influence during the travel shopping and buying process. Also among its findings: * More Americans have used Web 2.0 technologies overall than have used them in the process of shopping for travel. * Most travellers visit between two and five websites when shopping for travel online, and comparing prices is by far the most common reason for visiting multiple sites. At the same time, travellers who visit the most sites are likely to be motivated by a desire to read traveller reviews, research destinations, and purchase tickets to events or attractions. * Nearly everyone is familiar with online maps, but RSS and tagging go largely unnoticed. Fifty-nine percent of Americans are unfamiliar with RSS and 55% are unfamiliar with tagging. * Half of people who read blogs read travel blogs. The PhoCusWright Travel 2.0 Consumer Technology Survey is one highlight of PhoCusWright's Research Subscription: Technology Edition. The Technology Edition is a syndicated information service focused on technology for the travel business.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

WHISTLER BIKE GUIDE LAUNCHES 2008 ADVENTURES

2008-01-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

	January 9, 2008

	A reliable information resource to the area's extensive trail network since 1990, Whistler Bike Guide has partnered with a travel industry veteran to provide a comprehensive selection of guided mountain bike tours. 2008 tours serve up the best West Coast riding featuring both cross-country and free-ride trails in Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton, Sunshine Coast and the Southern Chilcotin. A variety of guided day tours will be offered for guests staying in the resort of Whistler. Half day and full day guided trips will offer something for the beginner to advanced rider. An early bird tour designed for corporate guests interested in a morning workout before they start their day will run daily. Multi-day trips will include a 3 and 6 night package in Whistler with a variety of accommodation options from a uniquely Canadian experience in log cabins to five star luxury at the Four Seasons Resort. Multi-day trips that feature Whistler, also include stays and riding in Squamish, Pemberton and the Sunshine Coast. Women only and family adventures are offered as are private trips and customized groups. A mix of health & wellness, culture and activities are combined to offer a full program. Multi-day tours include a visit to the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural center opening in Whistler in June 2008 as well as other activities such as zip-line and rafting. Women only tours feature spa services to compliment the riding. A unique feature of the tours is the inclusion of a high performance mountain bike rental. "Much like the ski market, it doesn't make sense for people to bring their equipment, particularly if they're a casual rider, as there is a fantastic selection of new 2008 high performance bikes to choose from through our partners in the area. Besides avoiding the cost and hassle of shipping your bike, we provide an opportunity to demo the latest cross-country bikes with the option to purchase through our ride & buy program with local bike shops." says Grant Lamont of Whistler Bike Guide. "Of course if you are really attached to your own bike you are welcome to bring it along." Although a support vehicle is available on multi-day trips, Whistler Bike Guide is committed to low impact travel and offers NO shuttle assisted climbs. Trips are geared to people looking for a health and wellness vacation that has a low impact on the environment. Also, explains Whistler Bike Guide partner, Chris Ford, the focus is on cross-country riding, not downhill: "We are catering to families and individuals that love the physical elements of mountain bike riding but do not wish to venture to the more extreme end of the sport. Our guides are mature, long time locals and our motto is: keep your wheels on the ground". Tours will operate May to October 2008 and Whistler Bike Guide is keen to work with industry partners. www.wbgadventures.com

	Author: Chris Ford Organization: Whistler Bike Guide E-mail: chris@whistlerbikeguide.com

October 2007 Tourism Snapshot now available

2008-01-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

	January 9, 2008

	Despite the weakened American dollar, 940,680 Americans travelled to Canada in the month of October 2007 (+1.8% over Oct. 2006). Non-automobile trips increased at a higher rate (+3.2%) than automobile trips (+0.8%). Following a 1.1% growth in September 2007, visits from the Canadian Tourism Commission's key overseas markets fell slightly in October 2007 (-0.5% overnight trips over Oct. 2006). Visits from non-US international markets increased for the fourth consecutive year (+3.1%) to reach 4.0 million in Jan.-Oct. 2007, while visits from the US reached 12.0 million (down 2.9% over the first 10 months of 2006). These and other statistics are available in the October 2007 Tourism Snapshot, available at www.canada.travel/research.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

CTC unveils its MC&IT "go to" guy

2008-01-08T11:56:00.001-08:00

January 7, 2008

	Canada is a big place and so it makes sense that the little, in-the-know details are what turns an ordinary meeting into an extra-ordinary experience. Need a venue? A list of cool things to do? People to meet and places to eat? Come to Canada. Ask for Steve, Canada's new "go to" guy. Canada's new multi-media campaign geared to the meeting, convention and incentive travel (MC&IT) markets was launched in December with the introduction of Steve. Steve is a persona imagined by the Canadian Tourism Commission US MC&IT sales team in conjunction with creative partner DDB. Appearing on the web and in direct mail campaigns, Steve aims to give clients a personalized sense of convention and incentive travel in Canada. "With Canada being as big and diverse as it is, we wondered, 'how do you put a personality to it?'" said executive director Dan Melesurgo. "Steve is our answer. He's a friendly, approachable kind of guy who shows both wittiness and warmth, brand values that the MC&IT team has really embraced this year." A communications platform resulting from months of both face-to-face and focus group research in early 2007, Steve is already showing great promise. "We've already heard some positive feedback," said Melesurgo, "and we're hoping Steve will continue to break through the clutter and resonate with our clients. Because, really, that's Steve's measure of success." Founded on CTC research and supported by the CTC's MC&IT working committee, Steve will make an increasing number of virtual appearances in 2008, becoming a fully integrated print and web campaign. "We're excited about him," laughed Melesurgo, "and hopefully everybody else will be." To learn more about Steve and see him in action, visit www.meetings.canada.travel.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Rich travellers have more complex itineraries

2008-01-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2008

	According to an Associated Press article (Globe and Mail, December, 2007) more family travel and more complicated itineraries are two trends for holiday travel, reported in a survey of 680 American Express travel agents. Eighty-three per cent of agents said their clients are looking for new experiences and destinations, and 59% said customers are booking more complex and customized itineraries than in years past; 56% are booking more upscale vacations than in the past. Travel agents also reported an increase in travel with children, but "...these folks aren't going to grandma's house for hot chocolate. The relative affluence of clients who book with American Express is evident in two trends: 56% of agents say families are increasingly taking nannies along and all 'Platinum Travel' villa specialists said requests for private villas are up this holiday season.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Ice Magic Festival Event gets ready for 2010 Games

2008-01-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2008

	The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Lake Louise Tourism team up to transform Lake Louise into a magical wonderland of ice but this time its sights are set much higher. The International Ice Sculpture Competition part of the festival events set against the backdrop of the Victoria Glacier has become a qualifying event for the 2010 Games in Vancouver. Sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association, renowned international accredited teams are given 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours of carving time over a 2½ day event to create masterpieces. Beginning in 2009, the bar has been set higher as carvers will accumulate points needed to qualify for the International Ice Competition in Whistler, BC, in 2010. The Lake Louise competition is the only qualifying event in Western Canada. "This recognition is a great step forward for the festival. Ice Magic has been growing exponentially and several new events have been added this year. We look forward to showcasing Lake Louise to the world through this special acknowledgement" says Andrea Thiessen, Director of Events and Special Projects for Banff Lake Louise Tourism. This year's theme "Celebrating Snow Queen, Ice Fairies and The Enchanted Forest" will bring ice carving teams from as far away as Nigeria, as well as the Banff Centre's Canadian composer Patrick Cardy's adapted score of The Snow Queen for string quartet. Also new this year is Baker Creek Chalet's Ice Playground, Samson Mall's Little Chippers Children's Carving and Lake Louise Inn's One Hour, One Carver, One Block. Watch in on the Canmore Eagles Hockey Game at the Recreation Centre or a dog-sledding demonstration, as the entire community of Lake Louise celebrates the Ice Magic Festival weekend. www.banfflakelouise.com/icemagic

	Author: Annik LaRoche Organization: Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Agents consult social network sites for advice

2007-12-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

	December 19, 2007

	TravelMole reports that TripAdviser, IgoUgo and YouTube are the sites most used by business travel agents and leisure travel agents to review hotel ratings before passing on advice to travellers, according to an Amadeus poll. The study, which looks at the increasing popularity of user-generated content, found 100% of business agents compared to 87% of leisure agents turning to these resources for help. Findings also revealed that - although most agents agreed Web 2.0 and user-generated content has effected how people book travel - more than half the respondents said they did not use the sites in the course of their everyday work. Of the UK leisure agents questioned, 59.7% said they did not use the review sites when making bookings compared with 63.8% of business agents. In addition, 90% of business agents said they could see a time when self-booking tools would include user-generated content such as reviews.

	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Regional Superpowers Forge Tourism Ties

2007-12-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

Chinese citizens will soon be able to travel to the US on tourist visas and in groups, and US destinations will be permitted to market themselves in China (PRC). PATA Regional Director -- North America Ms Barbara Bryant welcomed the agreement, which was signed at the 18th China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade in Beijing yesterday. "This presents enormous opportunities for PATA members in both destinations," she said. PATA's regional teams in North America and China are already discussing how to leverage the breakthrough for the benefit of PATA members. The MOU is good news for China's domestic tourism industry, with PATA member the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) saying the agreement would provide strong impetus to economic, trade and cultural ties. Mr Dun Jidong, Marketing Director of PATA member China Travel Service said: "The US is an important destination with huge market potential for us." In the past five years, China has overtaken Japan to become the largest source of Asian outbound travellers.

	Author: Oliver Martin Organization: PATA

Taking Advantage of New Media Opportunities

2007-12-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

As with many of you I'm sure, the month of December is filled with number crunching and finalizing projects and plans for the coming year. We have been busy prioritizing marketing opportunities that best serve our community and we are particularly interested in reaching the latest wave of online consumers.

In an article in TravelDailyNews (November 27, 2007), author and consultant Patricia Brusha comments that she was asked during a recent conference about how to engage the new online consumer without the worry of "losing control" of the message.

"I guess the simple answer is that there is no real control anymore as it relates to online marketing," she responds. "The consumers are really more in control than ever before in shaping your brand... (but) marketers should join the conversation and feed the message often."

Among other points she makes, having your product available for purchase online across multiple online channels, and making sure your brand message is always consistent and regularly updated, seem particularly relevant. "Test that your website is working the way that you had intended it to work - or more importantly, how your customers need it to work - to close the sale," she says. "Beyond that - you can be an innovator too by posting content online about your brand. Content such as video's, articles and images of your tourism product is easy to post to channels such as Flikr and YouTube, and can be virally distributed by both you and your customers."

Catering to Japanese Travellers

2007-12-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

We've talked a lot recently about developing packages that cater to tour bus operators, particularly those heading to the Rockies. We know that Merritt is an ideal stop-over, but here is an interesting trend regarding the Japanese market that takes things a step further.

From the Canadian Tourism Commission:


	December 5, 2007

	For years Japan has been one of Canada's most important travel markets, bringing busloads of tourists to snap happy pics of Canada's main attractions. Compared to a decade ago, however, visitors from the Canadian Tourism Commission's (CTC's) second most important long-haul market have drastically declined. Why? This was one of the questions the CTC sought to understand with a recent consumer and travel trade study, "Restoring Canada's Growth/Yield with the Japanese Travel Market". The study found that the needs of Japanese travellers are changing. More confident than previous generations, contemporary Japanese travellers are exploring beyond and far from tour bus windows. No longer afraid to venture out alone, travellers are increasingly choosing independent or more flexible group travel. This new generation of Japanese travellers is looking to go "deeper" into a destination. This means spending time in one region, participating in more activities and getting closer to locals and their way of life. They are keen to experience all the tastes, sounds and sights a destination has to offer. Canada's iconic wilderness spaces such as the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls remain important components of a trip to Canada, but contemporary Japanese travellers are more adventurous, looking for higher adrenaline activities like hiking, fishing and kayaking. Equally important, "local flavour-seeking" activities like staying in a nature resort, exploring by rental car, visiting historic sites and even grocery stores were all highlighted as areas of interest by current and future Japanese travellers. This recent study led by the CTC will help tourism providers understand the changing needs of the Japanese market and how to package product for a new generation of Japanese travellers.

Internet stars shine at Canada e-Tourism Awards

2007-12-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

November 30, 2007

	As website screenshots and online videos flashed frantically across the five story screen, an audience of Canada's top travel and tourism executives were all sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the final envelope of the night: the industry Best-in-Show of the first Canadian e-Tourism Awards. On November 8th, 2007 in the OMNIMAX Theatre at Telus World of Science in Vancouver, the Canadian e-Tourism Council (a forum of over 50 marketing executives, representing travel and tourism organizations from all sectors from all over Canada) hosted the first ever Canadian e-Tourism Awards celebration. The Awards Ceremony also featured the exclusive pre-screening of the first Canadian Destination IMAX Movie "Rocky Mountain Express" to be released in 2009, with a special introduction by the film's producer and director, Stephen Low. Miss Canada International 2008, Alesia Fieldberg, presented Nahanni River Adventures with the Canadian e-Tourism Awards tourism industry Best-in-Show award for its outstanding website (www.nahanni.com), sponsored by Yahoo! Canada. Awarding the winner with the "Big Ideas Chair", Hunter Madsen, marketing director for Yahoo! Canada, praised Nahanni River Adventures as an exemplary organization that is excelling at showcasing technical innovations consistent with its brand. The United Nations' World Tourism Organization also launched the UNWTO e-Tourism Climate Change Awards at the Canadian e-Tourism Awards. It is very prestigious for Canada to be selected as the launch-pad for this important competition. The aim of the award is to identify innovative responses which raise awareness through travel and tourism web sites about changing consumption behaviour to generate more climate friendly tourism choices. Geoffrey Lipman, UNWTO Assistant Secretary General, presented the award to Canadian Mountain Holiday for its outstanding commitment to environmental excellence. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was recognized as "Runner-Up" in a group of very strong finalists, showcasing Canada's commitment to climate change and sustainability. The first Canadian e-Tourism Awards also recognized consumer generated content in story, photo, and video, to celebrate travellers sharing their Canadian travel experiences. The Best-in-Show award, sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) went to Michael Earle for his collapsing iceberg video off the coast of Labrador. He not only received the Keep-Exploring Award, presented by CTC president and CEO Michele McKenzie, but also won a unique trip for two to the Yukon and Northwest Territories, sponsored by a collaboration between Tourism Yukon, NWT Tourism, and Air North. Jens Thraenhart, chair of the Canadian e-Tourism Council and host of the Canadian e-Tourism Awards, noted that hosting the Canadian e-Tourism Awards in conjunction with the Canada-e-Connect Strategy Conference not only provided a forum to learn about consumer trends, emerging technologies, and new media channels during the strategy conference, but also, through the awards, recognized the best of the best of those which have taken a lead in leveraging online marketing and the internet to connect with consumers, and marketing Canada as a tourism destination.

2007-11-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

Agent Wildfire Speaks at Canada e-Connect, Vancouver

Glad to have landed in Vancouver and expectedly for November, it's drizzling. Regradless, I still love VanCity - from its vistas, outdoor fanaticism and grassroots coffee culture, boutique retail and startup universe, it's one of the world's joys. Sometimes I regret not moving out here a few years ago when I was asked to lead the marketing efforts of an iconic West Coast brand, but I digress...

I'm out here on the left coast to present to the Canadian travel world at Canada e-Connect the merits of word of mouth, community building, social media, influencer, viral and buzz marketing and if there is one audience that should respond well to this message, it's travel and tourism.

Travel and hotels are the #3 and #5 ranked word of mouth categories, one of a word of mouth influencer's cardinal traits is their love of travel both near and far (they are more than twice as likely to be frequent and long haul travellers) and user generated content has taken root of the tourism world with thriving traveller rating sites like Tripadvisor (remarkably 114 reviews posted for my Hotel Fairmont Vancouver) and RealTravel in addition to consumer-enabled commenting in sites like Expedia and Travelocity.

Thanks to Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director for the Canadian Tourism Commission for pulling this inaugural conference together. I feel confident the future of Canada's travel face to the world is in safe hands given the progressive outlook, enthusiasm and professionalism Jens and his staff have put into the conference.

So why am I excited to be out here at Canada e-Connect, and why if you have any interest in the future of Canadian travel at all, you should be too:

1) a great canvas that may have been swept up by the Long Tail - Canada used to be in 2nd place gloablly in inbound travel 50 years ago with the top 5 countries representing 71% of the world's tourism, now Canada is in 11th place and the top 5 represents 32% of the pie (Deloitte) - new challengers and new options require new tactics for what still is one of the best travel destinations in the world (sorry for my homer-ism leaking out, but it's true)

2) Some very enterprising Canadian startups

- GPS TOURS Canada

- Planet Eye

- Iceberg Finder

3) A chance to hear about the user generated brilliance and quirkiness from Bugaboo This, Whistler Slush Skiing and Vancouver in the Mornng

4) Speaking on a panel with big brained Hunter Madsen from Yahoo and home country booster Paula Prociuk Blacklock from Canadian Geographic under the traditional, modern and future format that the conference has infused in its panels.

5) Equally interesting and perhaps more threateningly, being squared off in a discussion from industry challengers Jon Mamela from Fairmont and Denny Kobayashi from Tourism Yukon

6) Tips from the T-List - a profile of the best 100 posts from travel bloggers

7) My New Paradigm cohort in crime Anthony Williams is presenting Wikinomics - i've usually seen co-author and mastermind Don Tapscott present the book so this will be interesting to see the other side of the brain work and speak

8) Mobile and Travel Segment - with 85% of mobile phones to be enabled with cameras by 2010 and a tidal shift to GPS-enabled phones - the future of travel and travel communication may be seen through the lense of a cell phone, should be interesting

9) Travel Social Media and Trends - unfortuantely, I'll be leaving before then but beyond the topic, it would have been nice to see Patricia Brusha talk about her venture Chicks Away, I will however see Jeremy Gutsche from Trendhunter, a pioneering site in the world of open source trends.

10) Marketing to Americans - with a Canadian dollar now above $1.10, this has become very challenging particularly for the short to mid haul trips - Joel Peter, CMO from Tourism Toronto and Siobhan Chretien will try and crack that one. Perhaps tellingly of our future challenge, a Deloitte survey suggested Canada was viewed as "friendly, nice, unpretentious and reliable"as a person and ranked very low for being "sophisticated, witty and fashionable". I think people enjoy the former but are more willing to pay a premium for the latter.

11) A whackload of other tourism insights and goodies - CEOs, CMOs, pundits and experts, bloggers and columnists, awards and after-awards...should be a valuable time spent.