Federal-Provicial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Tourism

VANCOUVER– Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for tourism met today and struck a ministerial task force, mandated to develop and implement a national tourism strategy and work to raise the profile of Canada’s $55 billion tourism industry at home and abroad.

The meeting, which took place in Vancouver and was co-chaired by Canada’s Industry Minister Allan Rock and British Columbia’s Minister of Competition, Science and Enterprise Rick Thorpe, built on discussions held in Victoria in December 2002. Discussions underscored the importance of tourism to Canada’s economy and acknowledged the value of working in partnership to promote Canada as a destination for travel internationally and especially in key U.S., European and Asia-Pacific markets.

“We have put into place the components of a strong and aggressive promotional strategy for Canadian tourism, one that should help us achieve the successes of years past,” said Minister Rock. “I am pleased to see the efforts of tourism authorities and officials from across the country coming together to attract visitors to Canada, showing the world that we are a premiere destination for travellers both from abroad and here at home.”

The task force, co-chaired by Quebec and the Government of Canada, will report at the next meeting in Quebec in Fall 2003. Ministers will work together t

   
• Develop a federal, provincial and territorial tourism strategy
   
• Study funding in the tourism sector and how gaps can best be addressed
   
• Strengthen the relationship between Canadian Tourism Commission and provincial and territorial marketing organizations and governments

“It is vitally important that we work in partnership and move forward quickly to develop a national strategy to ensure we can maintain our position as a globally competitive tourism destination.,” said Thorpe. “I appreciate Minister Rock’s willingness to work with the provinces and territories to identify their unique needs and priorities in growing future tourism opportunities.”

Other issues discussed included recommendations that the Air Travellers’ Security Charge be waived to stimulate travel during the busy summer season, as well as the flow of travellers and traffic at the Canada-U.S. border and the critical importance protecting and building Canada’s long-standing relationships in the Asia-Pacific market in partnership with the Canadian Tourism Commission .

Ministers Rock and Thorpe acknowledged that accelerated collaboration would strengthen the partnership between federal, provincial and territorial governments with respect to the tourism industry. Ministers’ efforts towards a focused, nation-wide approach will create economic opportunities and jobs in the tourism industry, and reinforce Canada’s reputation as an international destination of choice.

“I’d like to thank Minister Thorpe and the Government of British Columbia for hosting this meeting and co-chairing tourism efforts over the past year.” said Minister Rock.

“On behalf of the Government of Quebec, I look forward to hosting our upcoming meetings and I’m confident that we will be able to announce concrete actions on our agreed tourism strategy,” said Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec’s Minister responsible for tourism.

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For more information, please contact:

Selena Beattie
Office of Allan Rock
(613) 995-9001
(613) 299-6453

Media Relations
Industry Canada
(613) 943-2502

Jane MacCarthy
Communications Director
Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise
Government of British Columbia
(250) 356-9428
(250) 361-8349