Ottawa, November 5, 2010 - Today the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), issued the following statement:
"This is an incredible achievement, and we are proud to be at the top of FutureBrand's 2010 Country Brand Index. Canada has risen from 12th to 1st place in just four years.
"This recognition is the result of the strong promotion efforts by our government's marketing agency, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), to showcase our country far and wide as a premier travel destination. Clearly it has been doing a tremendous job.
"Our government's goal is to make Canada a top tourism destination. This is why we nearly doubled our tourism investments in Canada's Economic Action Plan, including an additional $40 million for the CTC for domestic and international marketing in priority markets.
"The world came to Canada for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games earlier this year. We showed the world the dynamic and diverse nature of our country. To capitalize on the momentum of the Games, we provided an additional $26 million to the CTC to support Canada's tourism industry and show the world's travellers that Canada is the place to be.
"Tourism is a sector on the move in Canada. It is a major source of jobs and economic growth. Canadians in every community can share in this amazing success. I would like to thank all those who work in Canada's tourism sector - this success is the result of your years of hard work and dedication in creating compelling experiences for travellers."
For further information (media only), please contact:
Catherine Godbout
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-943-7023
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
