Minister Chagger Addresses Key Tourism Partners and Stakeholders at the Annual Tourism Congress

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 2, 2015) - On the occasion of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's Tourism Hall of Fame luncheon, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, made the following statement:

"Today, I was pleased to attend the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame luncheon. Tourism is an important contributor to the Canadian economy and is part of so many Canadian communities, employing nearly 628,000 Canadians.

"I am enthusiastic about co-chairing the upcoming Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers' meeting in the new year in Winnipeg. I will be meeting with my provincial and territorial counterparts, and we will work together on advancing our tourism priorities.

"As Minister of Small Business and Tourism, my goals are to help small businesses grow through trade and innovation and to get even more visitors to Canada. In 2014, Canadian tourism revenues, GDP and employment all experienced growth. The Government of Canada wants to build on that momentum by working together to grow tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand to attract travellers from around the world. To build on this foundation, Destination Canada will continue to enhance Canada's marketing in the U.S., which is our most important source market for tourists, as well as in other international markets.

"Our national parks are an integral part of our identity and a cornerstone of Canada's tourism offerings. I look forward to supporting the Minister responsible for Parks Canada in promoting Canada's national parks.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I also want to offer my congratulations to today's inductees into the Tourism Hall of Fame: Alan Latourelle, former CEO of Parks Canada; and Michael Resch, owner of Emerson Duty Free in Emerson, Manitoba.

"So 2016 promises to be a dynamic year for tourism in Canada, and I look forward to being part of it."

Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinofSBT