Federal Government Launches New Strategy to Strengthen Canada's Tourism Advantage

HOPEWELL CAPE, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - Oct. 6, 2011) - Today, the Honourable Rob Moore, Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), helped celebrate the launch of Canada's Federal Tourism Strategy at an event at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. The Strategy was developed to help position Canada's tourism sector for long-term growth and global competitiveness and focuses on improving coordination among the numerous federal partners that support the visitor economy.

"Canada continues to build on the success of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the granting of our Approved Destination Status by China and our recent designation as the number one country in the world by FutureBrand's 2010 Country Brand Index," said Minister of State Bernier. "The Federal Tourism Strategy provides the scope and direction to help industry take advantage of this growth opportunity, increase tourism revenues and create jobs in all regions of Canada."

The Federal Tourism Strategy formalizes a whole-of-government initiative that will better align the tourism activities of some 15 federal departments and agencies. It is a long-term strategy to bring greater coherence to the policies and programs that support tourism. The Strategy sets out some 30 initial measures in four priority areas: increasing awareness of Canada as a premier tourist destination, facilitating access and travel to Canada, encouraging the development of extraordinary tourism experiences, and fostering an adequate supply of skills and labour.

"This marks the beginning of a new, more inclusive approach to tourism policy and program development," said Mr. Moore. "The Federal Tourism Strategy will help the industry improve its competitive position as Canada adapts to the ever-changing global landscape."

Tourism makes a significant contribution to Canada's economy. It represents approximately 2 percent of our gross domestic product and employs nearly 600,000 people across all regions of Canada. Recognizing tourism as a key economic driver, Prime Minister Harper met with senior industry leaders and announced the framework for the Federal Tourism Strategy in June 2009.

To download a copy of the Federal Tourism Strategy and for further information, please visit our federal tourism website (www.tourism.gc.ca).