May 22, 2008 Edmonton, Alberta
The Tourism Alliance for Western Canada will implement an international marketing campaign to stimulate tourism in Western Canada thanks to funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada.
The $5 million investment will promote Western Canada as a tourist destination in key target markets across the United States, Europe and Asia.
"Our government is making strategic investments that support Western Canada's traditional industries," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "This investment will enhance the international competitiveness of tourism and reinforce the collaboration that exists between the West's tourism sector stakeholders."
The Tourism Alliance of Western Canada is a joint marketing consortium in which the four western provinces and their respective Tourism Marketing Agencies work cooperatively to promote growth in tourism within the private sector. Under this project, each of the Alliance members - Tourism British Columbia, Travel Alberta, Tourism Saskatchewan and Travel Manitoba - will coordinate a series of activities tailored to the needs and priorities of each province.
"Competition for the attention of travelers has never been stronger. Having the resources to make an impression in this crowded market is critical to the success of our tourism industry," said Cindy Ady, Minister of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation. "We are proud to work closely with the Federal government as they support our efforts to market our legendary Western hospitality and attractions to the world."
Tourism is one of Canada's top economic generators. In the West, tourism contributes about $18 billion to the economy each year and directly employs nearly 280,000 westerners in sectors that include accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the western provinces, industry associations and communies to promote the development and diversification of the western economy as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Don Boynton
Director, Communications
Travel Alberta
Tel: 403.297.2700
Cel: 403.612.8346
Don.Boynton@TravelAlberta.com
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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