Travel to the US: New York, Florida most popular states

Canadian residents took about 3.9 million overnight trips to the United States between April and June, up 7.5% from the same three months last year.

As is usually the case during the second quarter, more Canadians visited New York State than any other American state. An estimated 659,000 overnight visits were made by Canadians to the Empire State, up 19.1% from the second quarter last year.

There were about 569,000 overnight visits by Canadian tourists to Florida between April and June, a 5.6% gain from the same period in 2005.

Of the top 10 most visited states, only 2 recorded fewer overnight Canadian visitors: Nevada, where travel fell 15.0%, and Maine, where it was down 4.4%. Despite increases in the number of visits, spending by Canadians declined in 5 of the top 10 states.

Pleasure trips, which accounted for 56% of overnight Canadian travel to the United States, rose 7.9% from the second quarter of 2005. The number of business trips increased a slight 0.7%, while the number of trips to visit friends and relatives jumped 11.9%.

More than half of overnight travel to the US was by car. Canadians used an automobile for nearly 2.2 million overnight trips in the second quarter, up 8.3% compared to the second quarter of 2005. The number of overnight trips taken by air increased 5.4% during the same period.

Spending by Canadians in the United States rose 2.5% to about $2.9 billion. Average spending per overnight trip declined from $777 to $741.

In terms of US dollars, the Canadian dollar was 10.8% higher in the second quarter of 2006 than it was in the same period in 2005.

Canadians travelling overseas in record numbers

Canadians set a new record for second quarter travel to overseas nations this year as nearly 1.6 million trips were taken by residents during the second quarter. This was a 5.5% increase over the same quarter last year, when the previous record was set.

The top three most visited overseas countries for Canadians were the United Kingdom, France and Cuba. Travel to the United Kingdom fell 9.6% from the second quarter in 2005, while travel to France was up 5.5% and travel to Cuba rose 13.4%.

Italy experienced the largest decline among the top 10 overseas destinations, as there were 34.6% fewer overnight visits by Canadians to the country. This followed a jump of over 50% in Canadian visits in the second quarter of 2005 when the funeral of the late Pope John Paul II occurred, as well as the installation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Travel to China set a record in the second quarter, surpassing the previous mark established in 2002. Travel to this country had sharply declined from April to June of 2003 at the height of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) crisis.

During their travels in overseas countries, Canadians spent an estimated $2.4 billion, up 5.9% from the second quarter last year.

More overseas visitors coming to Canada

While Canadians were travelling in record numbers overseas, the number of overseas visitors to Canada also increased in the second quarter of this year.

An estimated 1.1 million overnight trips were made by overseas tourists to Canada between April and June, up 4.6% from the same period last year and the third straight year of increases for the second quarter. This follows three consecutive years of decreases that had culminated during the second-quarter of 2003 at the height of the SARS crisis.

The United Kingdom remained the top overseas country of origin with 234,000 overnight trips to Canada. Japan remained steady in second spot as 95,000 of its residents took overnight trips to Canada.

Mexican residents took 27.4% more overnight trips to Canada between April and June, perhaps reflecting the fact that Easter was celebrated in April this year rather than in March, as had been the case the year before. Easter is a major holiday in Mexico and a popular time for people to travel.

Overall, overseas residents spent an estimated $1.5 billion on overnight trips in Canada, down 0.8% from the second quarter of 2005.

Fewer American visitors coming to Canada

An estimated 3.7 million overnight trips were taken by US residents to Canada during the second quarter of this year, a marginal 0.4% decline from the same period last year.

While cars remained the most popular method of travel for overnight trips to Canada, 3.3% fewer trips were taken by automobile. Nonetheless, about 2.2 million, or 58.6%, of all overnight trips were taken by car.

American residents took nearly 1.1 million overnight trips by air to Canada between April and June of this year, up 4.7%.

Travel from the US rose in the two largest categories. Americans made 2.1 million trips for pleasure, an increase of 2.7%, and about 691,000 to visit friends and relatives, up 4.9%. Overnight travel in the third largest category, business trips, edged downward 0.2% to about 555,000.

Among the top 10 states of origin for overnight travel to Canada, 6 states recorded year-over-year increases in the second quarter. New York remained the top state of origin for overnight visitors as nearly 500,000 trips were taken to Canada.

Massachusetts recorded the largest gain (+25.1%), and Michigan, the largest decline (-19.1%).

Despite the decrease in the number of overnight trips to Canada, American residents spent nearly $2.0 billion in Canada, up 2.3% from the second quarter of 2005.

Overnight travel between Canada and other countries
	Trips				Expenditures
	Second quarter  2005r	First quarter  2006r	Second quarter  2006p	Second quarter  2005  to second quarter  2006	Second quarter 2005r	First quarter  2006r	Second quarter  2006p	Second quarter  2005  to second quarter  2006
	thousands			% change	$ millions			% change
Canadian trips abroad	5,102	5,740	5,454	6.9	5,045	5,748	5,249	4.0
To the United States	3,617	3,530	3,888	7.5	2,811	2,939	2,882	2.5
To other countries	1,485	2,210	1,566	5.5	2,235	2,809	2,367	5.9
Travel to Canada	4,817	2,528	4,851	0.7	3,411	1,837	3,445	1.0
From the United States	3,723	1,910	3,707	-0.4	1,938	963	1,983	2.3
From other countries	1,094	618	1,144	4.6	1,473	874	1,462	-0.8
r revised p preliminary

Top 10 overseas countries of origin for travellers to Canada
	Second quarter 2005r	Second quarter 2006p	Second quarter 2005 to second quarter 2006
	Overnight trips (thousands)		% change
United Kingdom	233	234	0.3
Japan	100	95	-5.2
Germany	78	79	1.5
France	74	76	2.8
Mexico	44	56	27.4
Australia	51	54	7.1
South Korea	42	46	9.3
China	30	35	19.2
India	31	35	12.4
Netherlands	32	33	3.3
r revised p preliminary

Top US States visited by Canadian residents
	Overnight visits			Expenditures
	Second quarter 2005r	Second quarter 2006p	Second quarter 2005  to second quarter 2006	Second quarter 2005r	Second quarter 2006p	Second quarter 2005  to second quarter 2006
	thousands		% change	$ millions		% change
State
New York	553	659	19.1	173	223	28.7
Florida	538	569	5.6	965	916	-5.1
Washington	389	434	11.6	83	95	15.2
Michigan	309	329	6.5	72	61	-15.7
California	216	230	6.5	174	216	24.1
Nevada	250	213	-15.0	225	217	-3.3
Pennsylvania	179	208	16.1	39	38	-2.6
Maine	148	141	-4.4	36	35	-3.3
Minnesota	114	133	17.4	33	39	18.8
Ohio	129	129	0.4	25	27	7.7
r revised p preliminary

Record spending abroad contributed to the unmatched deficit, as Canadians spent an estimated $5.9 billion outside the country, up 2.9% from the previous quarter. Spending abroad has shown an upward trend in recent years, with increases in 11 of the last 13 quarters.

Moreover, foreign travel spending in Canada has fallen in six of the last seven quarters, also fuelling the widening deficit. During the third quarter of 2006, foreigners spent $4.0 billion in Canada, down 2.6% from the previous quarter.

Deficit with the United States highest in nearly 13 years

Canada's travel deficit with the United States climbed to $1.1 billion during the third quarter of 2006, a $225 million increase from the second quarter and the highest level since the fourth quarter of 1993.

The jump in the deficit was the result of higher spending by Canadians in the United States and lower spending by Americans in Canada.

Canadians spent an estimated $3.3 billion in the United States in the third quarter, more than any other previous quarter. The 2.6% increase in spending was in line with a similar increase in overnight travel to the United States, which climbed to 4.0 million trips, its highest level since the end of 1993.

Spending in Canada by American travellers fell to $2.1 billion during the third quarter, a 6.2% drop and the lowest level since the first quarter of 1998. Overnight travel from the United States fell 3.6% to 3.4 million trips during that same period.

The Canadian dollar remained unchanged compared to its American counterpart, averaging $0.89 US during the third quarter of 2006.

Record spending in Canada not enough to halt widening deficit with overseas countries

Spending in Canada by travellers from overseas countries climbed to unprecedented levels in the third quarter of 2006, reaching $1.9 billion. Yet, Canada's travel deficit with overseas countries climbed to an all-time high of $753 million, up $53 million from the previous quarter.

The 1.7% increase in spending in Canada occurred despite a 1.0% drop in overnight travel from overseas countries. Travellers from overseas countries made almost 1.1 million trips to Canada during the third quarter, the lowest level in over a year.

Record travel from Canada to overseas destinations contributed to the higher deficit, as Canadians took 1.7 million trips to non-US destinations, up 0.5% from the previous quarter. As a result, Canadians spent a record of $2.7 billion, an increase of 3.3% from the previous high set in the second quarter.

During the third quarter of 2006, the value of the Canadian dollar gained against the Japanese yen but fell against the British pound sterling and the euro.

International travel account receipts and payments
	Third quarter 2005	Second quarter 2006r	Third quarter 2006p	Second quarter to third quarter 2006
	Seasonally adjusted1
	$ millions			% change
United States
Receipts	2,188	2,267	2,126	-6.2
Payments	3,061	3,177	3,260	2.6
Balance	-873	-910	-1,134
All other countries
Receipts	1,912	1,889	1,921	1.7
Payments	2,459	2,589	2,675	3.3
Balance	-547	-700	-753
Total
Receipts	4,100	4,156	4,047	-2.6
Payments	5,520	5,766	5,935	2.9
Balance	-1,419	-1,610	-1,888
r revised p preliminary 1. Data may not add to totals due to rounding.

Note to readers

The present international travel account analysis is based on preliminary quarterly data, seasonally adjusted unless otherwise stated. Amounts are in Canadian dollars and are not adjusted for inflation.

Receipts represent spending by foreigners travelling in Canada, including education spending and medical spending. Payments represent spending by Canadian residents travelling abroad, including education spending and medical spending.

Overseas countries are those other than the United States

The Working Centre is hosting an exciting new program that will connect Kitchener-Waterloo employers in the tourism and hospitality sector with skilled immigrants.

Through the Ready to Work Program: Tourism & Hospitality Careers for Newcomers, part of a province-wide effort with other pilot sessions offered in Toronto and Ottawa, employers will have access to a pool of skilled newcomers who have an interest and background in the sector and who have gained relevant Canadian training and certificates. The program is set to launch in February.

As the local project partner, The Working Centre will be able to offer local employers training incentives and wage subsidies through the provincially funded Job Connect employment program, pre-screened candidates for positions, job posting services, opportunities to participate in job fairs and other recruiting services, as well as on-the-job coaching.

Participants will benefit from earning certificates in five key areas: Tourism Essentials, Service Excellence, Smart Serve, WHMIS and Safe Food Handling. The training will be delivered by the senior project partner, Ontario Education Tourism Corporation (OTEC), an industry body that serves the training and human resource development needs of the tourism and service sectors. OTEC is the exclusive certifying body in Ontario for tourism occupations for the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council. Ready to Work is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.

The first KW session of Ready to Work, which will accommodate 20 participants, will take place in February, and participants will be available for work placements in March. There will be a second session for another 20 participants in the summer of 2007.

The tourism and hospitality sector employs more than 600,000 people in Ontario, and it is expected that 149,000 new openings will arise in the next 10 years in the province, and almost 400,000 nationally. There are more than 400 occupations in areas, including accommodation, attractions, events and conferences, food and beverage, recreation, tourism, transportation and travel trade.

For more information about the Ready to Work program, interested employers should contact Dave Thomas at The Working Centre, 519-743-1151 ext. 289.

Over $1 billion in tourism spending Toronto ranked No.2 in North America for trade shows

TORONTO - More than 2.3 million people visit the Greater Toronto Area each year to attend a consumer or trade show, according to a new study by researchers with the University of Guelph's School of Tourism Management. Visitors and show organizers combine to generate direct expenditure of $1.1 billion in the region. "This independent study proves that trade and consumer shows are a major piece of the tourism pie", said Barry Smith, President and CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "We traditionally associate only big city wide conventions as generating significant economic benefits to the community and for the first time we now realize how important trade and consumer show are to our economic success". Top consumer shows, such as the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale that starts today at the Direct Energy Centre, can attract over 140,000 people over several days. Other top consumer shows in Toronto include the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Canadian International Auto Show and International Home and Garden Show. Trade shows are large industry events including buying shows such as HostEx and Canadian Food and Beverage Show, Canadian Gift and Tableware Show and Canadian International Farm Equipment Show. Toronto is the number-two destination for trade shows in North America, behind only Las Vegas, according to Trade Show Week.

Bringing tourists at the right time "Most of the large consumer and trade shows are in off-peak tourism seasons, which means they are supporting hotels, restaurants and hundreds of businesses and jobs in the fall and winter period," said Arlene Campbell, General Manager of the Direct Energy Centre.
"This is the first study in North America to look specifically at the tourism impact of consumer and trade shows," said Dr. Marion Joppe, Professor of Tourism Management at the University of Guelph and the study's lead author. "More than 2 million people cited these shows as their primary reason for visiting the Toronto area, so clearly this is a sector that generates real visitor traffic."

Other highlights of the research include: - Visitors to the shows account for $614 million in spending, or 56 per cent of the total

- Exhibiting companies and show organizers account for $482 million in spending, or 44 per cent of the total
- Consumer and trade shows directly support 10,000 jobs in the Toronto region
- Show organizers and visitors pay a combined $260 million in taxes to all three levels of government

"This research highlights the significant and positive impact that our trade and consumer shows have on Mississauga and the entire Airport business community," said Gail Bernstein, CEO of the International Centre in Mississauga.
Tourism Toronto and industry partners commissioned the study to assess the value of these shows as tourism draws. Based on the strong message the research delivers, Tourism Toronto has begun to promote consumer shows to potential visitors, beginning by featuring the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale in the city's current fall marketing campaign.

NEXUS Air card the only accepted alternative starting January 8th

OTTAWA - Canada's airports are advising U.S.-bound travellers that a new passport requirement for U.S. travel by air will come into effect this January. Starting this January 8th, all passengers to the U.S. will require a valid passport or a NEXUS Air card.

"Due to several delays in the passport requirement for U.S. entry, including a recent final delay for U.S. travellers arriving by land and sea, there may be confusion among air travellers about whether or not they will need a passport to travel to the U.S. this winter," said Canadian Airports Council (CAC) President and CEO Jim Facette. "With the requirement now final, the answer is clear: Starting Jan. 8, all those who are U.S.-bound and travelling by air will require a passport or NEXUS Air card."

More than 20 million enplaned/deplaned air passengers travelled between Canada and the U.S. in 2005 - the biggest bilateral air market in the world.

January is the beginning of a very busy post-holiday sun travel season in Canada. In addition to U.S.-destined travellers, the new requirement also will affect travellers transiting the U.S. This may impact some vacationers who may not even realize they will be travelling through the U.S.

"Canada's airports urge travellers with plans to go south this winter, to check their itineraries for possible U.S. connections and ensure the new U.S. passport requirement doesn't ruin their vacation plans," said Mr. Facette.

The only acceptable alternative to a passport for entry to the U.S. after Jan. 8 is the NEXUS Air card - an electronic card program that allows pre-screened travellers to use an electronic kiosk instead of passing through immigration and customs officer lines after paying a one-time fee and undergoing a background check. Currently only available for air travel into the U.S. through Vancouver International Airport, the federal government last spring announced plans to expand the program to all of Canada's eight largest airports by the end of 2007.

Canada's airports have been active participants in a coalition of travel and tourism industry stakeholders that have worked with the Canadian and U.S. government over the past two years to mitigate the negative impact for travellers on the passport requirement provisions of the U.S. government's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

More hoteliers (29%) anticipated the occupancy rate to decline than those expecting an increase (20%). The expected number of room nights booked and number of corporate travellers followed a similar pattern.

Hoteliers continued to anticipate higher average daily room rates, as has been the case for the past six quarters. For the fourth quarter of 2006, 40% of respondents indicated higher room rates, while 21% anticipated a decline.

It appears that the hotel industry continued to struggle with a shortage of labour; just over one-third of respondents cited a shortage of unskilled labour as a major impediment. Interestingly, the proportion of hotel operators indicating that Canada's reputation as an attractive tourist destination was a business impediment has almost doubled (15%) since the same period last year. Lack of attractions or complementary facilities in the vicinity was another difficulty noted by 23% of the respondents.

Note: The survey of around 1,500 businesses, mostly hotels, was conducted in October to assess their outlook about key indicators compared to the same period last year. Some of these key indicators include bookings, occupancy rates, room rates and hours worked by employees.

The Business Conditions Survey for the Traveller Accommodation Industries is made possible with the support of industry partners, the Canadian Tourism Commission and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism. Results are based on survey questionnaires sent to traveller accommodation providers and are weighted by their operating revenues. Consequently, the larger businesses have a correspondingly larger impact on the results than smaller businesses.

Traveller accommodation industries
	Second quarter 2005	Third quarter 2005	Fourth quarter 2005	First quarter 2006	Second quarter 2006	Third quarter 2006	Fourth quarter 2006
Number of room nights booked will be:
About the same (%)	49	47	48	48	48	46	50
Higher (%)	31	31	27	30	32	26	18
Lower (%)	20	23	25	22	20	28	32
Balance of opinion	10	8	3	8	12	-2	-14
Occupancy rate will be:
About the same (%)	51	46	50	48	46	44	51
Higher (%)	30	32	25	31	35	29	20
Lower (%)	20	23	25	22	20	27	29
Balance of opinion	10	9	0	9	15	2	-8
Number of corporate/commercial travellers will be:
About the same (%)	59	57	57	55	56	55	56
Higher (%)	23	22	22	24	27	17	15
Lower (%)	18	21	21	21	18	27	28
Balance of opinion	4	2	1	3	9	-10	-13
Average daily room rate will be:
About the same (%)	46	44	46	53	44	43	40
Higher (%)	39	39	35	34	45	40	40
Lower (%)	15	18	19	13	12	18	21
Balance of opinion	24	21	16	21	34	22	19
Total number of hours worked by employees:
About the same (%)	63	62	56	59	54	58	59
Higher (%)	19	20	20	19	31	25	16
Lower (%)	17	18	24	22	15	17	26
Balance of opinion	2	2	-4	-3	16	8	-10
	First quarter 2005	Second quarter 2005	Third quarter 2005	Fourth quarter 2005	First quarter 2006	Second quarter 2006	Third quarter 2006
	%
Business impediments
Shortage of unskilled labour	15	21	22	24	32	34	36
Shortage of skilled labour	21	23	23	21	24	31	29
Lack of attractions or complementary facilities in the vicinity	19	16	13	16	12	22	23
General economic conditions	32	19	21	20	20	27	22
Excess room supply	25	26	21	23	22	22	19
Canada's reputation as a desired tourist destination	9	11	8	11	11	12	15
Access to financing	8	8	7	6	4	8	7
Abnormal weather and/or natural disasters	12	11	4	9	4	4	3
Public health and safety concerns	3	2	2	2	2	3	2
Third-party distribution channels (global distribution systems)	1	2	1	1	1	1	1
No difficulties at this time	30	32	38	31	30	26	23
Note: Due to rounding, components may not add to total.

Well this is my 5th day here in Jerusalem and I am very disillusioned. Things here are so much worse than when I was here 10 years ago.

Humiliation, defeat and dehumanization are not too strong a words to describe the situation and what is happening to the Palestinians. Today for example I went out to Bethlehem to visit a friend I met 10 years ago. What were then called check points are now full blown terminals. These terminals are attached to the 8 meter cement walls and great barriers separating Palsestine from Israel. They also separate Palestinians from each other. They must cost millions and in reality it is like herding sheep though the steel corridors.

One fellow I talked with earlier this a.m. in Jerusalem waited 30 minutes in the sun. Tonight it was starting to rain and that will be much worse because thousands have to go through and they open very few lines. The sensors, cement, steel is all very intimidating. I looked at the faces of people and so disgust, anger, frustration, surrender, you name it.

On Saturday I went up to Ramallah where I lived 10 years ago. It was the same ordeal. While visiting there the young pastor was telling me of his own depression and that of his members. He discussed the poverty and lack of income that was destroying the families. He told me of one family who took their kids out of school because they were too embarrassed to ask for help. What he sees happening as this happens is that the PALESTIANS WILL BECOME AN ILLITERATE SOCIETY. That's if they survive.

Significant for me to cope with when I arrived was the strike in the old city. This was ordered by government to express solidarity with the Gaza families who were killed last week. I don't know if you heard but the most distressing story was the story of the live baby found lying between two dead parents. Can you imagine. The Israelis talk of this as a mistake. The words massacre, ethnic cleansing and others are what I am hearing.

While chatting with an Israeli this a.m., I was told they have no other choice. So many want their existence and have to defend themselves. He said "we are not like you in Canada. We are egotistic and have to defend ourselves at whatever cost." Can you believe the cost of security in the country of Israel is 20% of their total budget. He also told me "this is what God wants for Israel".

I am staying in a Hostel/Hotel just inside the Damascus Gate. This is the Moslem Quarter. I feel safe here. My only problem is that it is a bit noisy. However I do meet people here and we have discussions.

Towards the end of this week I will be spending three days north east of Ramallah in asmall Palestinian village which was unfortunate enough to have a Jewish Settlement built close by. They have been harassing the villagers so much that at one point they had to move out. Now they have moved back with the understanding that there will be a foreign presence. This program is set of by the World Council of Churches.

Well, really I don't know where to stop. Yes, things are tense. They tell me there are more police around than normal. Yes, the Palestinians are glad that there is a significant shift in US as a result of the elections. But there is little hope for these people. They feel so victimized by a people who know the consequences of being victimized.

Yet they are such wonderful people. They are kind, want to be helpful and so much need the support of foreigners like ourselves and those who can show an understanding of their plight in life. When leaving Zoughbi this afternoon, we looked each other and he said, "what can we do but try to get through this?" This being said by a person who is not allowed to go into Jerusalem because he cannot get a Jerusalem pass.

I have just arrived back from Ramallah by the bus. This was my first experience in going through what they now call "the terminal". It use to be a "check point". Many Palestinians believe this is the beginning of the new boundaries that will be imposed soon.

My arrival went well. I immediately came to Damascus Gate and made arrangements at the Hotel/Hostel. It has been completely remodelled since 1996.

I arrived and here was a three day strike imposed. This was to express solitarity with the 19 people killed down in Gaza. Ths family was all civilian and the most horrific part of it was that a baby was found living between two dead parents. Such actions are terrible for the Palestinians. The strike, while it expresses solitarity, it also creates such economic hardship. Today everything is open - I will tell you - it is really busy.

At Ramallah they were celebrating the second anniversary of Arafats death. This meant many people were downtown and lots of action. When I was walking in the old City, a loud bang took place and I jumped. Only to find it was a kid who set off a fire cracker.

While at Ramallah I finally found the place where we use to live. I initially walked past the street because things had changed so much. There was a new street where there was a dirt road. When I found the place it looked pretty desolate.

I met with the Lutheran Pastor in Ramallah. He is young and sincere. While he is somewhat hopeful he is aslo very discouraged and told me many stories of their hardship, particularly in working with the youth.

When I left in 1996, things looked hopeful, after 3 years, they began to deteriorate, and I tell you - life is not good here, for so many people.

TORONTO - Tourism Toronto, and its partner the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, have announced three more convention wins for Toronto that will deliver an estimated 11,500 delegates and $10.8 million in direct visitor spending into the Greater Toronto region. These wins, aided by a strong financial commitment from the Ontario government, bring the total value of future convention business secured this year to more than $62 million.

"Competition is tougher than ever for major conventions yet Toronto continues to win business, especially from the U.S.," said Bruce MacMillan, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto.

"Tourism Toronto has landed three big fish that will bring thousands of visitors and millions of dollars into Ontario. Convention business is an efficient way to boost tourism," said Ontario Tourism Minister Jim Bradley.

Toronto will host the 2007 World Conference for CB Richard Ellis, one of the world's largest commercial real estate firms, in September 2007. The event will bring an expected 3,000 delegates and generate upwards of $1.8 million in direct visitor spending throughout the Greater Toronto region.

"By choosing Toronto for its 101st annual conference, CB Richard Ellis joins a growing group of organizations that are coming to Canada for their first meeting outside the U.S.," said MacMillan.

The Cultural Association of Bengal will return to Toronto for its 28th North American Bengali Conference in July 2008, after successful Toronto meetings in 1992 and 1998. The event will bring an expected 5,500 delegates to Toronto and generate $2.3 million in visitor spending.

The 44th International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) Congress will take place in Toronto in September 2014. The event will bring more than 3,000 delegates from around the world to Toronto and expected visitor spending of $6.1 million throughout the Greater Toronto region.

Provincial-industry partnership delivering business

Now an essential sales tool, the Convention Development Fund was launched by the Ontario government in 2002 with partner investment from the tourism industry led by the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Tourism Toronto. It has helped Toronto's competitive position and has helped deliver valuable large-scale conventions to the region.

Since its creation the fund has invested $5 million in 39 major conventions that are generating a combined $242 million in direct visitor spending. A further investment of $3.6 million in 23 tentative conventions could deliver an additional $93 million.

"Some of these conventions book several years in advance, but in many cases the returns are almost immediate. The CB Richard Ellis meeting that we confirmed this week will bring 3,000 people and nearly $2 million to Toronto in less than a year," said MacMillan.

Toronto - The Toronto Congress Centre (TCC), a division of Congress Centres Inc., has announced plans for a new facility that will bring its footprint to over one million square feet. The TCC serves as home to many large meetings and expositions, including several events in the consumer electronics industry. This year, Panasonic held its annual consumer electronics showcase there; while Xantech gathered together dealers for factory direct training seminars. In May, In Tandem brought its first Integrated Technologies Conference to fruition at the venue. The centre has also served as the exhibit space of choice for Henry’s Camera’s annual digital imaging shows.

The Toronto Congress Centre North, which will be located just north of the existing TCC South Dixie Rd. location, is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2007. The new facility will incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly features like indoor air quality, energy efficiency, green energy, and water conservation, in an effort to fuse business with a “healthier and more productive environment.”

The 500,000 sq. ft. facility will boast a massive lobby area with a living green environment and natural light, and include 40 meeting rooms, plus a 25,000 sq. ft. ballroom. The exterior will express the next-generation of trade shows and convention design, while the interior will combine the traditional elements of the south building.

"Toronto Congress Centre is a customer-centric organization,” said Alain Sutton, Chairman and CEO of Congress Centres Inc. “Achieving great customer experience is our ideology. Toronto Congress Centre expansion expresses our priorities, charts our growth, and demonstrates our ever forward commitment to great customer experience."

The multi-million dollar development will rank the Toronto Congress Centre among the top 10 convention sites in North America.

New Developments, Including the Addition of Luxury Hotels & Spas Position Acapulco to Take the Lead as Mexico’s Premier Resort Destination

Acapulco, Mexico - In the 1960s Acapulco burst onto the tourism scene with an indulgent and boundless appeal, boasting endless sun and sand, celebrated nightlife, illustrious resorts, beautiful beaches and, who can forget, the legendary cliff divers. Today, Acapulco breaks new ground once again with record- breaking investments in its tourism infrastructure, boasting new developments, hotel and spa openings, convention offerings and more. Tourism officials have announced that private investors and developers have already invested over 100 million U.S. dollars (USD) into the destination which is part of a grand plan to bring the New Acapulco back into the tourism spotlight.

In 2005, approximately $120 million USD was spent on the remodeling and renovation of existing hotels in Acapulco, while further investments during the first half of 2006 topped $51 million. These ongoing measures to improve Acapulco's infrastructure and propel the growth of tourism have resulted in dramatic changes in Acapulco. In addition, these investments have placed Acapulco among the principal tourist destinations in Mexico to receive the largest number of private investments from domestic as well as foreign (primarily U.S., Spanish, and Asian) sources, according to a recent study conducted by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism, SECTUR.

"Acapulco is already a highly regarded vacation destination, yet we are committed to continuing to improve our tourism services," said Mrs. Mary Bertha Medina Cortes, President of Acapulco Convention and Visitors Bureau & Acapulco Hotel Association. “With the addition of more luxurious hotel offerings, and increased leisure, entertainment and convention developments designed to revitalize the city, we hope that visitors from all over the world will discover the New Acapulco."

Highlighting the transformation of Acapulco is the growth of the glittering Diamante area, which stretches from Las Brisas Hotel to the Tres Palos Lagoon along the coastline. Ambitious projects already underway include the new cliff-top Banyan Tree hotel slated for completion by year end. Attracted to Acapulco’s climactic advantages after the 2004 tsunami destroyed many of the resort compounds along the Indian Ocean, the Banyon Group’s boldly-styled project includes oriental-style cabanas built along the craggy Cabeza de Leon. Specialty architects from Singapore are joining together with a team of Mexican experts in rock-clamping to create a teetering restaurant called Vertigo, accessible by cable car.

Other upscale resort projects currently under development in the Diamante zone include the all-suite Mansion Imperial hotel featuring 334 guest accommodations at an investment of $125 million USD. Additionally, the impressive Villas Imperial will offer 900 villas or 2000 guestrooms with its investment of more than $ 85 million USD, while the Grand Tourism-rated Palace Imperial is slated to feature 360 suites for time share sales at an additional investment of $85 million USD. Acapulco resorts currently encompass 18,000 hotel rooms. This total is projected to increase by approximately 3000 within the next 2 years.

Preparing to debut in the coming year on the entertainment front is Puerto Paraiso plaza, comprising 12 movie theaters, an ice skating rink, designer boutiques, as well as lively nightclubs and restaurants; along with the 685,000- square foot La Isla shopping and entertainment center featuring an interactive aquarium, movie theaters, and upscale shops and restaurants.

Also underway is construction of the Expo Imperial and Imperial Forum, the new exhibition and convention center. With exhibit and meeting space totaling over 360,000 square feet, Expo Imperial is designed to host various exhibitions and conventions while the adjacent Imperial Forum, a 4,800- seat performing arts theater, will bring the best cultural, sports and artistic shows in Mexico to Acapulco. These facilities are part of the master-planned Mundo Imperial Project which additionally includes Casa Imperial, a hotel resort complex with 879 rooms and Fiesta Imperial, a 210,000-square-foot plaza comprised of restaurants, lounges, night clubs and cultural venues. The complex is projected to open in November 2007.

A $2 million USD renovation of the existing Acapulco Convention Center, the largest conference facility in Latin America, includes upgraded technological equipment as well as enhancements to its terraces and principal entrance.

Committed to building upon Acapulco’s iconic appeal, within the next two years the Mexican government plans to begin development of the “Tourism Corridor” which will traverse the coastal region between the important resort destinations of Acapulco and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. With ongoing improvements to its infrastructure and highways, Acapulco will remain Mexico's favorite resort destination for years to come.

A magical combination of incredible beauty and hypnotic charm, Acapulco is Mexico's largest and most dazzling seaside resort attracting over 5 million visitors annually. Acapulco is exotic yet easily accessible via direct or convenient connections via all major airline carriers from gateway cities across the U.S.

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For skiers, Mont Tremblant offers more than 600 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, an award-winning pedestrian village and fantastic night-life. For non-skiers, Tremblant is a picturesque wonderland of winter activities, such as dog sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. There are a variety of slope side accommodation options, all within walking distance of the quaint boutiques, restaurants, and lively bars of Tremblants’ European-style pedestrian village.

Ultimate Ski Vacation Packages start at $840 CDN plus GST, per person based on double occupancy and include: round trip airfare from Waterloo Region to Tremblant, three nights accommodation in a slope side studio at Les Suites Tremblant, Airport transfers in Trembant, two day lift tickets, baggage handling and all taxes and fees (except GST).

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War brides and veterans travel on VIA’s Ocean train to mark special occasions in Halifax and Ottawa

MONTREAL – VIA Rail Canada joined forces with Pier 21 National Historic Site to celebrate the Year of the War Bride in Halifax, where they first landed some sixty years ago. Some 200 war brides travelled to Halifax today, accompanied by about 150 family members. They boarded the Ocean train in Montreal, which made stops in Campbellton, Miramichi, Moncton, and other communities along the way.

“We thought it would be appropriate to organize a special VIA train to help the war brides travel to Pier 21 in Halifax for special celebrations in their honour,” said Ron Jackson, VIA station agent in Halifax and one of the employees who organized the special train. “Last year’s VIA Remembrance Day Train, which carried war veterans to Ottawa, was a huge success, which encouraged us to do the same this year in honour of Canada’s war brides. War brides from coast to coast will be able to attend the Pier 21 gathering in Halifax thanks to VIA’s involvement,” added Ron Jackson.

Between 1942 and 1948, more than 40,000 war brides and 20,000 children came to Canada from Britain and Europe. The overwhelming majority arrived sixty years ago this year, in 1946, and first touched Canadian soil at Pier 21 in Halifax. Many travelled by train to their new homes across the country.

“Last year, on our special Remembrance Day Train we met several war brides who were travelling with their husbands, and memories of their arrival in this country were flooding back to them,” said Peggy Topple, a VIA employee in Halifax. “When we heard that several provinces had declared 2006 the Year of the War Bride, we just knew what we had to do this year.”

November 6: An historic journey on VIA’s longest running passenger train

Those traveling with VIA from Montreal to Halifax today enjoyed music by a ladies barbershop quartet while on board. Many were interviewed by historians from Pier 21, so that their stories may be added to the institution’s extensive collection of oral histories. All along the route communities turned out in force to greet the train and send off the local contingent of war brides. Many flew into Montreal from points across the continent to take part in this historic journey, while many others connected to the War Bride Train from other trains in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor and from as far west as Victoria, BC.

November 8: A moving day at Pier 21, the gateway to Canada

The festive and nostalgic atmosphere will continue on November 8 with a full day of activities at Pier 21, including the following:

A non-denominational church service

Specialized WWII focused museum tours and screenings of the multi-media presentation “Oceans of Hope”

A vow renewal ceremony involving more than a dozen war brides and their spouses

A sing-a-long and WWII era entertainment

When asked how he felt about hosting the war brides, Pier 21 Chief Executive Officer Robert Moody said, “I cannot imagine a more perfect way to honour Canada’s veterans and the women they loved. We are proud to have marked what was indeed a very special day in the lives of these people.”

November 9: Bringing veterans to our nation’s capital

Following the war brides celebrations, VIA will honour our country’s veterans for the second year in a row. In a reprise of last year’s very popular Remembrance Day Train, the November 9, 2006, departure of the Ocean train from Halifax will be designated as the “Troop Train.” This train will bring veterans and their families from Halifax to Ottawa in time to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies.

“At VIA, we are proud of our employees who spearheaded these initiatives,” said Denis Pinsonneault, Chief People Officer of VIA. “This is yet another example of our employees’ dedication and commitment to the 450 communities that VIA serves. VIA is proud to be part of the Canadian effort to honour war brides, veterans and others who helped to defend and build the country we live in today.”

About Pier 21 National Historic Site

This newly restored award-winning National Historic Site tells the stories of over one million immigrants, war brides, displaced children and Canadian military troops who passed through its doors between 1928 and 1971. Now Canada’s last surviving ocean immigration shed, Pier 21 promises a dramatic exploration of a critical part of our heritage through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and activities for all ages. A research centre, café and gift shop are located on site.