OTTAWA, Feb. 1 - Canadian tourism industry leaders are in Washington, D.C., today as part of a broad-based effort to address the new American passport rules that are threatening travel between the United States and Canada. The delegation is being led by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), which chairs a binational Passport Coalition that includes some 30 groups with a stake in ensuring the free flow of legitimate travellers across the Canada-U.S. border.

The main purpose of the trip is to meet with Frank McKenna, outgoing Canadian Ambassador to the United States. The delegation will speak with him specifically about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) under which the passport rules were introduced, and about strengthening Canada-U.S. relations in general. Given the tight timelines - the passport rules are slated to take effect on December 31 of this year for air and sea travellers, and on December 31, 2007, for land-border crossers - the group decided not to wait for a new ambassador to be appointed, said TIAC President and CEO Randy Williams.

"There's a real sense of urgency in our industry about the need to address the WHTI," Mr. Williams noted. Indeed, according to a Canadian Tourism Research Institute study released last year, Canada could lose up to $1.6 billion in tourism receipts between 2005 and 2008 as a result of the requirement that all travellers, including American citizens, must present a passport or other accepted document when entering the United States. "It's also important for us to continue working with Canadian Embassy staff through the transition, because new developments on this file are expected in the near future," he added.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is expected to release the results of its public consultation on the WHTI, in which TIAC participated, before the end of April. Meanwhile, on January 17, the U.S. announced plans to develop a new frequent traveller card, known as PASS, that U.S. citizens living in border communities will be able to use as a passport substitute.

This measure responded in part to one of the recommendations made by TIAC in
its submission, and was welcomed by Mr. Williams as "a key recognition of the
importance of cross-border travel and the fact that there must exist an
affordable and accessible card as an alternative to the passport." He
acknowledged, however, that the PASS card is not a stand-alone solution, and
that more details are needed on timing, process and cost.

The Canadian tourism delegation has also scheduled meetings with members
of Congress and U.S. stakeholder groups. Delegation members include:

- Randy Williams, Tourism Industry Association of Canada

- Wayne St. John, APR Media Ltd.

- Stephen Foster, Sr., Starwood Hotels and Resorts

- Denis Vandal, Air Canada

- Noel Buckley, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort

- Ian Robertson, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the national private-sector
advocate for Canada's $57.5 billion tourism industry. It performs a unique and
pivotal role in ensuring the Canadian business and policy environment works
for tourism, by communicating its importance to Canadians, advocating positive
measures, and lobbying government for action.

Conservation Award

Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat, South Africa
Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya
Dolphin Watch Pamilacan, Philippines

Investor in People Award

Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica
Turtle Island, Fiji
Yachana Lodge, Ecuador

Global Tourism Business Award
Chaa Creek, Belize
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canada and Worldwide
Intrepid Travel, Australia and Worldwide

During the next phase of the judging process, each finalist will be visited by a WTTC / Tourism for Tomorrow representative who will carry out an on-site verification visit to ensure that the high standards outlined in the award applications are indeed being met in practice. Brian Mullis, President of Sustainable Travel International and a member of the finalist selection committee said, “By combining an on-site inspection visit with a careful review of the information submitted by each award applicant, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are raising the standard for recognizing best tourism practices globally.” The winners of each category, selected by the Panel of Judges following the on-site verification visits to all finalists, will be announced during a special ceremony at the Gala Dinner of the 6th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Washington, DC on April 11.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President, WTTC said “We are very encouraged by the interest shown in the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and the commitment shown by enterprises around the world to best practice. Travel & Tourism is an important generator of jobs and growth, with enormous potential to provide sustainable livelihoods to communities even in the most remote areas. We are delighted to be honouring the leading examples of where this is really happening. ”

Tourism activity edged up 0.3% in the third quarter of 2005, the ninth consecutive increase. However, this was a marked slowdown from previous quarters. Tourism spending grew 1.0% in the second quarter of 2005 and has averaged 1.5% over the previous eight quarters. A 1.2% decline in spending by international visitors, the third consecutive decrease, slowed overall tourism spending.

International spending continues to fall

International spending fell for the third consecutive quarter, dropping 1.2% in the third quarter. This followed declines of 0.8% and 1.0% in the first two quarters of 2005. The number of international visitor trips was down 6.0%, chiefly as a result of a decline in visitors from the United States. The third quarter marked a large upswing in gasoline prices in the wake of the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. The US dollar continued to fall relative to its Canadian counterpart and may have further fuelled the slowdown in travel. A 0.1% increase in overnight visitors from overseas helped to moderate the impact of the reduced travel from the United States.

In the third quarter, the international travel deficit slipped to $1.3 billion from $1.5 billion in the second quarter of 2005 (measured in current dollars). A deficit indicates that Canadian travellers spend more abroad than international visitors spend in Canada.

Domestic spending remains strong

Domestic tourism spending grew 0.9% in the third quarter, continuing to drive the overall growth in tourism in Canada. With international travellers, particularly those from the United States, decreasing their visits, domestic expenditure has been the sole source for growth in tourism thus far in 2005. Domestic tourism's share of total tourism spending has moved up strongly in the past few quarters to stand at 70.7% in the third quarter, up from 68.6% in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Air transportation continued to push up domestic spending, advancing 1.7%. Spending on air transportation has grown a strong 11.8% since the third quarter of 2004. Domestic spending on air transportation includes expenditure on flights by domestic carriers from a Canadian city to an international destination as well as between Canadian cities.

A strong Canadian economy, with final domestic demand up 1.0% in the third quarter and personal disposable income up 1.2% per person, continued to spur domestic tourism spending. Gains were widespread with accommodation (+1.3%), and recreation and entertainment (+1.2%) leading the way.

Higher gas prices cut spending

Both domestic and international spending on vehicle fuel was down 0.8% in third quarter as a 9.9% jump in fuel prices served to curb consumption.

Spending on other commodities also weakened from past quarters. Purchases of food and beverages by tourists edged down 0.1% and were flat for travel agent services.

Accommodation (+0.3%) and recreation and entertainment (+0.2%), which includes casino spending, both edged forward but were well off their second quarter pace.

Tourism employment edges up

The number of tourism jobs edged up 0.1% in the third quarter, the ninth straight increase. This followed a 0.5% gain in the second quarter.

Hiring in all tourism industries was sluggish in the third quarter. Air transportation industry jobs advanced 0.4%. Other industries generally registered little or no growth in employment.

Tourism GDP moves forward

Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) advanced 0.4% in the third quarter. The growth in GDP slowed for all industries. Air transportation registered the strongest growth (+1.0%) continuing to be pushed by increased tourism spending. The share of tourism in economy-wide GDP remained at 2.0%.

Looking ahead

Early indicators are providing mixed signals for the fourth quarter of 2005. International trips to Canada declined 0.9% in October, with overnight trips slipping 1.5%.

The air transportation, food and beverages, accommodation and recreation industries all recorded employment growth in October and November, according to the Labour Force Survey.

The Canadian dollar held its value against the US dollar in October, but depreciated 0.4% in November.

National tourism indicators
	Third quarter 2004	Fourth quarter 2004	First quarter 2005	Second quarter 2005	Third quarter 2005	Second to third quarter 2005
	millions of dollars at 1997 prices, seasonally adjusted					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada	13,157	13,287	13,462	13,590	13,633	0.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	3,836	3,879	3,849	3,810	3,764	-1.2
Tourism domestic demand	9,322	9,408	9,613	9,780	9,869	0.9
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada	4,776	4,866	4,978	5,035	5,065	0.6
Tourism demand by non-residents	990	1,004	993	983	967	-1.6
Tourism domestic demand	3,786	3,862	3,985	4,053	4,098	1.1
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada	1,856	1,868	1,875	1,895	1,901	0.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	885	901	896	891	883	-0.8
Tourism domestic demand	970	967	979	1,005	1,017	1.3
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada	1,905	1,902	1,917	1,923	1,921	-0.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	617	624	619	610	602	-1.3
Tourism domestic demand	1,288	1,278	1,298	1,313	1,319	0.5
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,244	2,245	2,267	2,290	2,297	0.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	510	506	504	497	492	-1.2
Tourism domestic demand	1,734	1,739	1,763	1,793	1,806	0.7
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,376	2,406	2,425	2,446	2,450	0.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	833	845	838	829	820	-1.2
Tourism domestic demand	1,544	1,562	1,587	1,617	1,630	0.8

National tourism indicators
	Third quarter 2004	Fourth quarter 2004	First quarter 2005	Second quarter 2005	Third quarter 2005	Second to third quarter 2005
	millions of dollars at current prices, seasonally adjusted					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada	14,457	14,693	14,883	15,261	15,502	1.6
Tourism demand by non-residents	4,531	4,616	4,583	4,565	4,543	-0.5
Tourism domestic demand	9,926	10,077	10,299	10,696	10,959	2.5
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada	4,933	5,083	5,222	5,479	5,672	3.5
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,259	1,291	1,295	1,295	1,298	0.2
Tourism domestic demand	3,674	3,791	3,927	4,184	4,374	4.5
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada	2,249	2,278	2,257	2,290	2,296	0.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,074	1,100	1,078	1,076	1,067	-0.8
Tourism domestic demand	1,175	1,178	1,179	1,214	1,229	1.3
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada	2,269	2,284	2,318	2,343	2,356	0.5
Tourism demand by non-residents	735	749	748	744	739	-0.7
Tourism domestic demand	1,534	1,535	1,570	1,600	1,617	1.1
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,526	2,531	2,553	2,591	2,611	0.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	597	595	590	586	583	-0.5
Tourism domestic demand	1,929	1,936	1,963	2,005	2,028	1.2
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,479	2,517	2,532	2,558	2,567	0.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	866	880	872	864	856	-1.0
Tourism domestic demand	1,613	1,637	1,660	1,694	1,711	1.0

END

Total estimated sales of the restaurants, caterers and taverns industry reached $3.3 billion in October, up 3.8% compared with October 2004. (Data are neither seasonally adjusted, nor adjusted for inflation).

At the provincial level, the largest year-over-year increases were in Alberta (+8.3%), Saskatchewan (+8.1%), Quebec (+7.0%) and Ontario (+5.5%).

Nationally, the year-over-year increase in sales was due to higher sales at full-service (+5.0%) and limited (+3.8%) restaurants. These two sectors accounted for 85% of industry sales in October. Food service contractors (+13.0%) and caterers (+10.7%) also posted significant growth. These two sectors account for about 8% of industry sales.

Breslau, ON ‰¥ã The first of many weekly Sunquest Vacations charter flights took to the sky early Thursday morning, December 22, 2005. The inaugural flight will whisk passengers from the Region of Waterloo International Airport to the sunny shores of Varadero, Cuba. The non-stop flight aboard a Skyservice Airlines, Airbus A320 will have vacationers on the beach in just under 3 å¸ hours.

"With the recent deep freeze we have been experiencing in southern Ontario, Sunquest's new charter service from the Region of Waterloo International Airport to Varadero, Cuba and Cancun, Mexico is timely," said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. "Travellers can go from a Canadian winter to warm sun and sand in less than four hours without the inconvenience of getting to Toronto to catch their flight."Seven months of preparation and anticipation have lead up to this moment, which will mark a milestone in the history of the Region of Waterloo International Airport and provide residents with a convenient and friendly travel alternative to the hustle and bustle associated with larger airports. The expanded departure lounge, international arrival area and additional parking lot are ready for take off! All, just minutes away ‰¥Ï "I am thrilled to see our first flight departing taking Christmas vacationers to the sunny beaches of Varadero, Cuba. Sunquest has a long history of making the most of Canada's regional airports, and we are delighted to be the first company to work with the team at the Region of Waterloo International Airport to make these flights happen and offer a stress free alternative to driving to Toronto to catch flights to the sun," said Sunquest President, Andrew Dawson.

Sunquest is Canada䴜s #1 travel provider, voted by the public as the winner of the Consumer Choice Award for Excellence in Toronto for the fourth year in a row. More than half a million Canadians and U.S. residents travel with Sunquest each year to destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Vacation packages to Cuba and Mexico from the Region of Waterloo International Airport are available from your local travel agent or online at www.sunquest.ca

‰¥þWe are delighted to serve the Kitchener-Waterloo community with direct jet service to Cuba and Mexico, on behalf of our tour operator, Sunquest Vacations. The addition of Kitchener-Waterloo to our network allows our partners to pursue new market opportunities, and offer exciting vacation experiences to this growing community,‰¥ÿ said Skyservice Vice-President of Commercial Operations, Len Corrado. Skyservice Airlines carries over one million passengers annually and currently operates a fleet of 27 aircraft including Airbus A-319s, A-320s, Boeing B-757s and B-767s to popular vacation destinations in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. In addition to its current fleet, Skyservice will be introducing an Airbus A330 aircraft in May 2006 to serve its European destinations.

Tourism grew at a faster rate than the rest of the economy in 2004. After two years of decline, tourism spending increased by 4.8% in 2004, with spending on air transportation soaring by 10.3% while accommodation spending grew by 4.7%.

Overall, the traveller accommodation industry posted higher revenues and operating profits compared to the year before. There were almost 15,000 establishments in the tourism industry in 2004 and they generated operating revenues of $13.1 billion, up 6.1% from 2003 in current dollars. Operating profits increased from 10.7% in 2003 to 14.7% last year.

Hotel occupancy rates increased to 63% in 2004, a notable jump from 59% in 2003, which was one of the worst years for the hotel industry. The demand for hotels had been following a downward trend since the beginning of the millennium until it hit a record low in 2003.

Hotels, regardless of where they were located, had higher occupancy rates in 2004. Airport hotels experienced the largest gains, as occupancy rates jumped to 67% from 61% in 2003. This could partly be explained by the general recovery of long-haul traffic as well as the strong demand for air transport and accommodation. In fact, the number of international travellers (excluding those entering from the United States) entering Canada grew for the first time since 2000.

From a regional perspective, hotels and motels in Quebec, Ontario and the Western provinces posted higher operating revenues in 2004 compared to 2003, led by British Columbia (+12.7%) and Alberta (+7.7%). British Columbia and Alberta also experienced an increase in the number of trips made by Canadian residents compared to 2003. There were also significantly more international travelers visiting Montr̩al, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Alberta and Vancouver in 2004 compared to 2003. Most provinces posted double-digit profits, led by Alberta at 19.1%.

TORONTO - While soaring fuel costs continue to put pressure on air ticket prices, competition between air carriers to maintain and acquire business is keeping price increases to a moderate level accordingto the recent BTI Canada Benchmarking Study.
"In efforts to recoup expanding operational costs, air carriers are increasing existing fuel surcharges, but, increases were minimal. We do, however, expect to see further increases in the second half of 2005," says Michele Ferrari, Senior Vice President, Client Management, BTI Canada. Meanwhile, Corporate Canada's air travel activity is strong. The total number of airline tickets sold for the current review period, January to June 2005, rose significantly by 24 per cent.

Unique to the Canadian market, the BTI Canada Benchmarking Study is a
semi-annual report that measures corporate travel activity booked by BTI
Canada. The study identifies and analyzes key Canadian business travel
industry trends.

Continued fuel price hikes are expected to put further pressure on
airline tickets in 2005-2006. From January to June 2005, the average airline
ticket rose slightly to $973, a $20 increase from the previous period.
Specifically, Domestic tickets saw an increase of five per cent, International
prices inflated by two per cent, while in contrast, Transborder average ticket
prices dropped marginally.

The increase in domestic ticket prices is also attributed to the closure
of Jetsgo as it allowed Air Canada and Westjet to adjust their ticket prices
that were previously depressed due to a series of fare wars incited by the
airline. The increases, however, were minimal as the airlines compete
head-to-head on many routes and are still feeling price pressures from Canjet
in selective markets.

Despite record fuel prices and continued financial challenges faced by
most American carriers, significant competition from low cost carriers helped
to push the Intra US average ticket price for BTI Canada's clients down by
nine per cent, or $56. In February 2005, Delta Air Lines made headlines when
it announced an aggressive new fare strategy that would reduce airfares by as
much as 50 per cent for Intra-US travel. Other players in the competitive US
domestic market quickly responded with their own pricing reform. Faced with
the harsh reality of expanding operational costs, the same carriers that
participated in the price reform would successfully rally for industry-wide
fare hikes of $10 to $20 over seven times in the past six months and we expect
further fare and/or fuel surcharge increases.

"In order to control air spend, it is important now more than ever to
negotiate and support corporate deals with preferred carriers," Ferrari
explains. "BTI Canada encourages companies to work closely with their travel
management company to assess their travel booking needs and patterns and
ensure they have a carefully planned travel policy that reflects their
business requirements and objectives. This in turn will result in maximum
return on their overall travel expenditure."

Companies focus on cost control and policy compliance

As a result of a more stable economy in 2005, airline ticket purchases
increased by 24 per cent. Although more tickets were purchased, BTI Canada's
data indicates that travellers chose the lowest fare option less often. The
18 per cent decrease in travellers selecting the lowest fare can be attributed
to airlines strategically advertising low fares that are often available in
very limited quantities. As a result, the lowest fares were sold out before
travellers could purchase them.

Corporate clients have become increasingly aware of the inherent costs
associated with selecting a non-preferred carrier. They risk diluting the
business channelled to the preferred supplier and, as a result, may fail to
meet the market share and net flown revenue targets required to attain desired
discounts.

"In the past, travellers have been encouraged to accept the lowest fare
option regardless of the carrier; however, with many carriers scaling back and
becoming more stringent on the application of corporate discounts, corporate
clients need to monitor their market shares closely to ensure they maximize
the use of non-preferred low-cost carriers while not jeopardizing the value of
their agreements with their preferred carriers," says Ferrari. "BTI Canada
works with our corporate clients regularly to assess their air travel patterns
in order to maximize the value of their airline programs and to identify areas
of opportunity."

Booking on Self Service Reservations (SSR) results in obtaining lower fares

Consistent with the 24 per cent overall increase in tickets issued, Self
Service Reservations (SSR) increased by 27 per cent and remained consistent at
11 percent of all airline tickets issued by BTI Canada. Further, the number of
SSR tickets for each market segment increased proportionally. In addition to
transaction costs, clients typically save on the ticket prices when booking
via an SSR tool as travellers often choose the lowest fare. On average,
travellers saved $167 (25%) on Domestic tickets, $160 (18%) on Transborder and
$30 (5%) on Intra-US tickets.

"Determining why the average ticket price is lower when using a SSR tool
instead of a traditional travel counsellor is difficult since the same fares
are available through both booking methods. One main factor, however, is that
fares are easily viewed through the SSR tool and travellers often feel
obligated to purchase the lowest fare. This is known as the 'guilt factor'."

Hotel price increases are not as substantial as predicted

BTI Canada's clients did not experience the four to five per cent
increase forecasted by industry sources; instead, the average hotel rate
increased by approximately two percent in the period. BTI Canada's support of
clients' preferred hotel programs and the BTI Canada Global Hotel Program - a
way for companies to book hotel rooms at discounted rates without having to
commit to a specific activity level - continue to help corporations control
hotel expenditures. With hotel rates expecting to increase another six per
cent in 2006, programs like this are critical.

Other Key Findings:

- Domestic average hotel rates recorded a $2 increase to $124 and
U.S. average hotel rates increased by $5 to $147, while
international rates levelled off at $220.

- BTI Canada expects that Domestic car rates will settle at
approximately $41 while Transborder/Intra-US will remain at the
current price level of $50. For International rentals, rates can
carry taxes of almost 20 per cent.

Australia, Outrigger Coolangatta Beach Resort has appointed Niel Mason General Manager of the 130-suite beachfront resort, which overlooks Coolangatta Beach at the southern-end of the Gold Coast. Mr Mason䴜s qualifications include a Bachelor of Communications in Hotel and Food Administration from the University of Guelph, Ontario

Mr Mason䴜s new role at the beachfront resort is a stark contrast to his former role in the chilly climes of Canberra, where he worked as General Manager at the 3.5 Star Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort.

With over 12 years experience in the tourism industry, Mr Mason gained his tertiary qualifications in Ontario, Canada before moving to Australia in 1992.

His career took off quickly in Australia, which saw Mr Mason rise quickly through the hospitality ranks. He previously held positions at a number of the country䴜s leading hotels including The Beaufort Darwin, Rendezvous Observation City in Perth, Melbourne䴜s Duxton Hotel and the Rydges Hotels Resorts chain.

At Outrigger Coolangatta Beach Resort, Mr Mason will oversee all areas of resort operations, and value-add to Outrigger䴜s Best Practice systems to ensure the resort maintains its reputation as a leading provider of 4 Star all-suite style accommodation.

The winners were selected after over two million votes were cast from 156,000 travel agencies and professionals in 140 countries including leading travel destinations, airlines, hotels, personalities and companies. Mary Phillips, general manager of Jamaica Inn, said: "We are very honored to have received this prestigious award as it is global in scope and from travel professionals who look for the very best for their clientele."

Jamaica Inn has long been a favorite of the international set. Just an hour and a half from the Montego Bay International Airport, it is a place for simply relaxing or indulging in water sports off a perfect beach. Tennis, golf and horseback riding are all nearby. Extraordinary cuisine served on the lamp lit Terrace and nightly entertainment make evenings mellow. Rates range from $500 to $1,600, per night, per suite, based on double occupancy from December 15, 2005 to April 15, 2006.

The Next Summit
Vince Wolfington: ‰¥þThe Summit in Washington will be able to draw participants from all corners of the globe and we expect a broad and diverse attendance, which will facilitate a truly open discussion on international issues.‰¥ÿ

Ed Fuller: ‰¥þBy bringing together destination governments and investors, the Summit provides WTTC with a unique opportunity to move beyond a mere discussion of issues and to identify real solutions.‰¥ÿ

- Slightly more than two in five adults (44 percent) prefer driving over flying regardless of travel distance

- 66 percent of adults find road trips more enjoyable now than when they were kids

- 58 percent wish their earlier vehicle had either a DVD system (33 percent) or navigation system (25 percent)

WINDSOR - Research released found that more than half of Canadians are planning to drive more than 200 kilometres this holiday season to be with family and friends. A survey conducted by DaimlerChrysler Canada found that new vehicle safety standards, entertainment features and enhancements in comfort have revolutionized the family road trip experience of today and made longer road trips more desirable to the traveler, despite slightly higher gas prices. With so many Canadians driving, DaimlerChrysler Canada partnered with family travel expert and editor of FamilyTravelForum.com, Kyle McCarthy, to offer parents the keys to surviving the 2005 holiday travel season.

Chrysler Road Trip Savvy Tips

- Enlist kids to help with the packing and it won't take so long. Give each child his own bag for essential toys, books and entertainment, and tuck it safely between the Chrysler Pacifica's individual seats.

- While inventions like side-curtain air bags and the Chrysler Pacifica's 5-Star safety rating make the road trip a much safer experience, it's the innovative backseat entertainment system that keeps kids happily strapped in -- and that contributes to safety.

- Ceiling-mounted DVD players are more than entertaining; they help prevent car-sickness by keeping passengers oriented in the same direction as the vehicle. Chrysler Pacifica offers a rear DVD video and entertainment system, so parents and kids can choose their own form of entertainment.

- Eyes-straight-ahead games like "I Spy" and books-on-tape are better than reading for kids who are prone to motion sickness. Older kids have fun polishing their grades with language CDs. Bring along a kitchen timer, and all ages can play "20 Questions" or "Geography."

- Many families find new Sports Tourers like the Chrysler Pacifica so comfortable that they have to remember to stop and stretch regularly, especially important for toddlers and grandparents. Every few hours, try this version of Musical Chairs: pull over in a safe place, use the satellite radio to find a new song, and get everyone out running around the car. When the music stops, each passenger grabs the nearest seat... kids love getting to be driver.

- Kids can be a great help with remembering items for a trip. Determining a road trip allowance for each child, then letting them know they'll have to chip in to buy any forgotten essentials will ensure that everything makes it into the suitcase.

"Even with higher gas prices, families will be traveling this holiday season," said Kyle McCarthy, editor - FamilyTravelForum.com. "An old fashioned road trip in today's vehicles allows families to spend quality time together, surrounded by the latest features in safety, comfort and fuel economy as compared to when mom and dad were kids."

"One of the busiest travel seasons of the year is just a few weeks away," said Mike Accavitti, Vice President, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Canada. "Modern vehicles, like the Chrysler Pacifica that offer flexibility and utility without sacrificing comfort or style, give drivers and passengers the opportunity to enjoy time spent traveling on the road and allow them to do so at their own pace."

Maximize Fuel Economy

While today's vehicles are more fuel efficient compared to years ago, there are still additional measures people can take to further enhance their fuel economy. Following are a few ideas from DaimlerChrysler Canada.

- Modify driving habits

- Slow down - every 8 km/h over 105 km/h can decrease fuel economy by as much as 7 percent

- Reduce speeds - 105 km/h is much better than 121 km/h, sometimes improving fuel economy by more than 0.4 kilometres/litre

- Use modest acceleration when possible, minimizing "jack rabbit" starts

- Use cruise control to help maintain a steady speed

- Limit extended idles and warm up periods - don't leave vehicles idle while running in for the cup of coffee in the morning

- Plan your trip to avoid rush hour, if you can, to avoid idling in traffic

- Check vehicle condition and ensure proper vehicle maintenance

- Replace dirty air filters - a clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy as much as 10 percent

- Check tire pressures - tires under inflated by just 2 psi can reduce fuel economy as much as 1 percent

- Remove extra weight from vehicles - an extra 45 kilograms (100 pounds) in the trunk or pick up box can lower fuel economy 1 to 2 percent

- Reduce aerodynamic drag on vehicle by taking empty cargo carriers, bike racks, ski racks, etc off - at highway speed, 50 percent of the engine power is used to overcome aerodynamic drag

- Keep vehicle engine tuned up as a noticeably out of tune engine can reduce fuel economy as much as 4 percent

- If vehicle engine light is on, have the vehicle serviced - faulty components such as an oxygen sensor can reduce fuel economy as much as 40 percent

Survey Says

Chrysler and Goodmind, LLC conducted a national survey to determine how men and women viewed family travel. According to those surveyed, the two biggest changes in the way we travel are in safety (41 percent) and entertainment/DVD systems (19 percent). Additional survey results showed:

- Prep Time: Families spend an average of ten hours packing for road trips; parents spend 21 percent longer packing for a road trip than adults without children

- On The Road Again: Eighty-seven percent of adults take at least one road trip every year, with more than one in four (28 percent) taking four or more trips annually

- On The Road with Children: Seventy-nine percent of families with children go on two or more road trips each year, which means parents take an average of 36 percent more trips annually than adults without children

- Trip Down Memory Lane: Sixty-six percent of those surveyed say that long road trips are more enjoyable now than when they were kids; "I Spy" was identified by 32 percent of adults as their favorite travel game when they were young followed by reading (23 percent)

- Forget Me Not: The two most forgotten items when preparing for a road trip were cameras/videos (25 percent) and toothbrush/toiletries (21 percent)

- Keeping Busy: Thirty-three percent of adults play games with their children to keep them entertained on road trips, while 26 percent of parents give their children snacks

Methodology

Goodmind, LLC, a New York City-based research and consulting firm, fielded the 11 question survey on behalf of DaimlerChrysler Canada. The study was conducted using online methodology to assess consumers' traveling experiences, specifically family road trips. A total of 1,044 adult respondents 18 years of age or older participated in the survey. The data were statistically tested against subgroups using t- and z- tests; with an overall confidence level of 90 percent.

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK 䴋 Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal, announced on Monday November 7th that the Government of Canada will provide nearly 8 million dollars, through the Sector Council Program, to the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC), to promote a skilled workforce in the tourism sector.

The tourism funding announcement was part of a larger one, which included funding for the Cultural Human Resource Council.

"Canada's future competitiveness depends on productive, high-performance workplaces, supported by a highly skilled workforce," said Minister Stronach, during a visit to the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. "The cultural and tourism industries play a valuable role in our overall economy, employing upward of two million people and accounting for 16 percent of our entire labour force. It is vital to invest in the skills of these workers; the projects we are announcing today will help ensure that we have the skilled labour required to remain globally competitive in culture and tourism."

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) will receive over $7.9 million for three projects related to skills development. The largest project announced is for the development and delivery of on-line learning for targeted programs and occupations, building on the successes already realized with the Council䴜s paper-based resources. The second project will allow the CTHRC to continue to collect, analyze and disseminate labour market research that will give the industry timely and credible information on employment in the industry, and on the supply of workers. The third project announced will assist the Council䴜s further work on credential recognition initiatives.

The CTHRC works on behalf of the 164,000 businesses that make up Canada's vibrant tourism industry.

Established in 1993, the CTHRC promotes professionalism throughout the industry and addresses key

labour market issues. Collectively, Council members and the CTHRC bring together Canadian tourism

businesses, labour unions, associations, educators and governments to co-ordinate human resource

development activities and contribute to a sustainable, globally competitive tourism industry.

The announcement is linked to Canada's Workplace Skills Strategy, aimed at helping Canadians to become

the best-trained, most highly skilled workers in the world, as well as ensuring that employers' needs are met.

The Government of Canada will join with businesses, unions, provinces and territories, sector councils and

workers to ensure that all Canadians have the opportunity to develop skills enabling them to obtain

meaningful and productive jobs.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget and is therefore built into the

existing fiscal framework.

Don䴜t miss this opportunity to participate in the open discussion and to put your questions to the panelists. For more information and to register for the event, please contact Louise Oram at louise@wttc.org (tel: + 44 20 7481 8007).

WATERLOO, ON - Canada's contribution to the U.N.
endorsed "World Year of Physics" has been a resounding success. Attendance at
EinsteinFest grew stronger over the course of the 24 day science celebration -
culminating in a total of just over 28,000. The international extravaganza of
big ideas attracted people from across Canada, the United States, South
America, Europe and beyond.

They came to not only celebrate the 100th anniversary of Albert
Einstein's great accomplishments, but to relive the transformative times and
examine the dawn of flight, birth of communications, roots of jazz, new
directions in art, fashion, exploration, philosophy and other human
endeavours. The Festival demonstrates how great scientific achievements do not
happen in a vacuum but, rather, are the product of bold, creative people who
are influenced by their times and are at work in a much wider theatre of
ideas.

Events included over 30 special lectures by top speakers, musical
concerts, hands-on science experiments, exhibits, a silent film festival, the
play "Picasso at the Lapin Agile", school field trips from across Ontario and
much more. Full details and photographs are available on-line at

http://www.einsteinfest.ca.

Public events will continue and future lectures include:

- Simon Singh - author, journalist and TV producer speaking about
"The Big Bang". This lecture will take place on Wednesday,
November 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. in Waterloo, Ontario

- Clifford Will, Washington University, speaking to audiences across
Canada on the topic "Was Einstein Right?" This coast to coast
lecture series continues through November and is presented by
Perimeter Institute and the Canadian Association of Physicists.

Scientific events continue and, though not open to the public, include a
workshop on:

- "Cosmological Frontiers in Fundamental Physics" - October 24 to 28,
2005. This event, for scientists only, is presented by Perimeter
Institute and Laboratoire AstroParticule et Cosmologie (Paris)

NEW YORK -- An extra hour to curl up under the covers may seem heaven sent when faced with a screaming alarm clock but, according to a UK survey commissioned by British Airways, if everyone had an extra hour in the day, the last thing people would choose would be sleeping.

The survey, to celebrate 'National Take Back Your Time Day' (Monday, Oct. 24, 2005), asked people how they would choose to spend an extra hour in the day. Only 11% chose to spend that extra hour asleep, with just 8% choosing to spend their time between the sheets in more 'productive' ways.

According to the results, what we actually crave is more 'quality' time. Of those surveyed, 64% opted to spend the hour either with partners, family and friends or on themselves, with a little 'me time' in the form of reading a book, relaxing in a bath or painting their nails.

The good news is, in spite being a nation of workaholics, work is not something we would choose to spend the extra hour on (only 4%).

Robin Hayes, Executive Vice President, The Americas for British Airways
explained: "The introduction of services such as online banking, Internet shopping and online check-in have revolutionized the Internet, transforming it from a pure information resource into a precious time-saving tool.
"At British Airways, we recognize the value our customers place on their time. We continue to develop new ways to speed customers through the airport in a bid to give people back a little of the one thing that, these days, seems all too scarce."
Traditionally a USA/Canadian initiative, National Take Your Time Back Day is now also recognized in the UK and supported by a large number of companies worldwide. The day was introduced to challenge the epidemic of overwork, over-scheduling and time famine that now threatens our health, our families and relationships, our communities and our environment - www.timeday.org.

WATERLOO, ON 䴋 The Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema (WFAC) returns to Kitchener-Waterloo with the fifth edition of the unique animation film festival.

Dedicated to animated feature films from around the world, WFAC showcases the power of animation in filmmaking, and celebrates the art and the artists who work in this wonderful visual narrative form. The WFAC showcase has become one of the most comprehensive public exhibitions for animated feature films in the world.

The selections of the WFAC 2005 programme are notable for highly personal and powerful work that challenge popular notions of what theatrical feature animation can be. Many of the films have received accolades and awards from other world-famous animation festivals such as Annecy, Ottawa and Tokyo.

Programmes: The 2005 Festival consists of three programmes: World Cinema, Retrospectives, and Tidbits.

The World Cinema programme features contemporary feature films from around the world.

The Retrospectives programme looks back at films of a certain theme or artistry, which have contributed to the films of today.

The Tidbits programme features films from small creative teams challenging the limits of what can be accomplished, to tell the stories they want to tell.

Dates: November 17th-20th, 2005

Location: Princess Twin Cinemas, 46 King Street N., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Admission Prices: Advance tickets are $10 each per film. A limited number of festival passes good for admission to all festival events are available for $75 each. Group and youth discounts are available; Prices higher at the door.

Box Office: Tickets and passes are available for purchase in person from the Centre In The Square box office, 101 Queen Street North, Kitchener, or by phone at (519) 578-1570, or toll free (800) 265-8977. Tickets and passes may also be purchased in person at Gemini Jetpack, 255 King Street North, Waterloo, (519) 746-1527.

Tickets and passes can be purchased online at the WFAC website at http://www.wfac.ca, or at the Centre In The Square website at http://www.centre-square.com.

Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event at the Princess Twin Cinemas.

The pyramids are ancient news. Make way for the new 7 Wonders

London, 20 October, 2005 䴋 The Great Pyramid of Giza, the only one of the
7 Wonders of the World still standing, has been relegated to eighth place in the definitive updated list.

Readers of Wanderlust, Britain䴜s leading magazine for real travellers, have updated the millennia-old list for the 21^st century. Overall, 3,569 travellers䴜 votes were counted in the largest survey of its kind ever.

The results reveal what today䴜s travellers view to be the most extraordinary sights on the planet.

The clear voters䴜 favourite is the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, Peru, which received 52% more votes than its nearest rival, the vast temple complex of Angkor, Cambodia.

The Wanderlust Seven Wonders of the World, as voted by global travellers, are:

Ranking	Site	Location
1	Machu Picchu	Peru
2	Angkor	Cambodia
3	Taj Mahal	India
4	Petra	Jordan
5	Grand Canyon	USA
6	Great Wall of China	China
7	GalÌÁpagos Islands	Ecuador

åʉ¥þIt is no surprise that Wanderlust readers, Britain‰¥ús best travellers, chose such extraordinary places for the definitive new list of the 7 Wonders,‰¥ÿ says Lyn Hughes, Wanderlust‰¥ús co-founder and editor-in-chief.

‰¥þTo explore any of these seven fully requires a great sense of adventure, but they truly represent the most amazing travel experiences on the planet.‰¥ÿ

British wonders making it on to the list are the London Eye (65^th), Stonehenge (50^th) and the Highlands (41^st).

The full list of the Top 75 Wonders appears in Wanderlust䴜s special 75^th collectors䴜 edition, on sale from 21 October.