For the first time in three years, the destination hosted Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) in person from May 24 to May 27. More than 1,000 people attended the event in Toronto, as well as many more who joined through the internet.

Getting back to live meetings and events is one of the best signs of a destination's recovery.

Rendez-vous Canada
Rendez-vous Canada 2022 was held in Toronto. (photo by Codie Liermann)

The Honorable Randy Boissonnault, Canada's Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, said that he would tell the world that Canada was once again open for tourism. Welcome to our international visitors. He said that if you are wondering if Canada is ready to welcome back travelers, he is happy to say yes.

There were more than 300 international buyers in attendance. The event gave industry representatives a chance to get to know each other in person, something that isn't always easy to do online.

The Honorable Liza Frulla, P.C., C.M., O.Q., said that the connection between international buyers and Canadian tourism businesses will support the recovery of the industry.

Travelers forget just how large this destination is when they think about it. Canada has unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers, from taking in the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to exploring the remote areas of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The international tourism marketplace gave a variety of companies across the provinces a chance to meet in one place, share their stories and explain what makes them unique to companies located all around the globe.

One-on-one appointments at Rendez-vous Canada
One-on-one appointments at Rendez-vous Canada. (photo via Destination Canada)

The Honorable Randy Boissonnault said that visitors to Canada are welcomed with open arms and are able to leave with good memories. He said that once you recommend Canada to your people, they will travel back to the destination many times.

The most important thing visitors will tell friends and family is that Canada is diverse and welcoming, he said. There is diversity and there is pluralism. We decided to live respectfully, inclusively and with great curiosity. citizens are ready to connect with visitors One of our 120 pride festivals and more that Canada has to offer will make your friends want to visit.

Rendez-vous Canada press conference
A press conference with The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Canada’s Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance; The Honourable Liza Frulla, P.C., C.M., O.Q., Chair of the Board of Directors, Destination Canada; Maureen Riley, VP International at Destination Canada; and Beth Potter, President and CEO of the Tourism Association Industry of Canada. (photo via Destination Canada)

Canada is no longer living in a pre-pandemic world according to the Minister of Tourism.

Pre-pandemic thinking won't shape our future. He said that this is a new era and that it calls on us to be bold. The federal tourism growth strategy is being refreshed to meet these challenges. International visitors and Canadians can smile when they remember visiting Canada.

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