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EMBARKING ON A TRIP: START WITH SURFING THE INTERNET
Internet an Important and Growing Research Tool
TORONTO – Canadian Internet users are increasingly surfing the
Internet to help them make their travel decisions according to an annual marketing
research survey conducted by TNS Canadian Facts.
Findings from the firm’s annual Online Travel study suggest that online Canadians are
more likely to use the Internet in their planning and more likely to find this stage
important. Six in ten online Canadians (59%) say the Internet is very or extremely
important for making travel plans, which is up from only one in three (34%) in 2002.
“The Internet provides an easily accessible, rich source of information that allows
consumers to research and plan their own vacations and consumers value this role,”
said Richard Jenkins, a vice-president with TNS Canadian Facts and the market
research firm’s corporate director of public opinion research.
Much has changed in how Canadians use the Internet since 2002 when TNS Canadian
Facts first asked about online travel activities. In 2002, the primary online activity was to
research the weather conditions (44%) followed by researching the destination (41%). In
2006, these activities are important but the Internet is now used for more direct
comparison shopping information such as researching travel costs (48%) and
researching and comparing accommodations (47%).
“What we have witnessed is the maturity of the Internet over the past four years as
service providers and consumers have realized the potential of the Web,” added
Jenkins.
Online Canadians are placing a higher importance on the Internet for their travel plans
and satisfaction with travel Web sites is improving. Just over one in three (36%) are very
or extremely satisfied with the travel websites they visited, which is up from 27 per cent
who were satisfied in 2002.
The Online Travel Study is conducted annually by TNS Canadian Facts using the firm’s
national weekly Internet omnibus Service, TNS Express Online. E-mail invitations were
sent to 2,500 members of the TNS Canadian Facts Internet panel comprising more than
90,000 Canadian Internet users who have agreed to participate in survey research from
time to time. In total, 1,127 online interviews were completed between February 6 and
13, a 38 per cent response rate. The survey results are nationally representative of the
online Canadian adult population and are considered accurate to within 2.9 percentage
points, 19 times out of 20.
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Ontario Government Supports Tourism Industry On Border Security Binational Tourism Conference To Set Action Agenda On The Passport Issue
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE - Canadian and American business and political leaders will meet Friday May 12 to develop joint strategies for fighting a pending U.S. passport law that they feel will damage tourism and trade in both countries.
A forum organized by the Binational Tourism Alliance and co-sponsored by
the Ministry of Tourism will bring together more than 200 tourism industry
leaders and elected officials to learn the facts, hear how the passport issue
will affect them and strategize on how to work for a more business-friendly
security arrangement.
"We are redoubling our efforts to resolve the passport issue to help our
tourism industry," said Ontario Tourism Minister Jim Bradley. "The Ontario
tourism industry and the Binational Tourism Alliance are working together to
let people know that a secure border does not require expensive, single-
purpose documents that most people do not possess. We have time to fix this
problem and a lot of allies in both Canada and the United States who will help
us."
Arlene White, executive director of the Fort Erie-based Binational
Tourism Alliance, said, "Canadian and American business and political leaders
will be joining together to create an action plan for fighting border
restrictions we fear will do serious economic harm to tourism and other
commerce in both countries. We should be looking at existing forms of
documentation like birth certificates or driver's licenses, documents readily
available to Canadian and American citizens."
"The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is anything but a done deal"
said Bradley. "There is still an opportunity to bring the influence of the
tourism industry to bear on this issue and the Ontario government will support
their efforts."
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Ontario launches new summer tourism marketing campaign featuring exotic local travel destinations
TORONTO - A beautiful white sand beach. A walk in the clouds above a majestic forest. A place where wild animals roam free. A Caribbean carnival with bright colours and vibrant music. Sound like striking, tropical locales? No. These unique destinations can all be found in Ontario and are part of a new marketing strategy from the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) to increase tourism this summer.
OTMPC unveiled its summer tourism marketing campaign to industry partners and media in Toronto May 11. The campaign is designed to intrigue and encourage consumers to discover the many experiences Ontario has to offer so close to home.
"Our research told us that many people perceive the province as a 'been
there, done that' travel destination and that we need to give visitors - and
Ontarians - compelling new reasons to vacation in Ontario this summer," said
Sandra McInnis, OTMPC President and CEO. "This new campaign is meant to
surprise consumers by highlighting the many diverse and unique discoveries
that can easily be found right in their own backyards in Ontario."
The exciting campaign includes television, radio and billboard
advertising throughout Ontario and the United States. Starting May 15, four
15-second TV commercials will run for five weeks. Four complementary
30-second radio spots will run for four weeks. Billboards, resembling
vacation postcards depicting the unique Ontario locations featured in the
broadcast ads, will round out and help personalize the campaign.
The summer campaign is also being customized to run in select U.S.
markets (Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, Detroit and Cleveland); and a unique
French-language campaign has been developed for Quebec with a launch event on
May 29 in Montreal.
All communications drive consumers to the www.ontariotravel.net website.
"This intriguing and eye-catching new marketing campaign will stimulate
tourism growth in Ontario," said Ontario Tourism Minister Jim Bradley, who
attended the launch event. "We have some stunning tourism products and
experiences to offer in Ontario and we look forward to enjoying a vibrant
summer tourist season."
The summer campaign, directed at families, provides unique vacation ideas
and promotes memorable fun summer getaways.
"This province is a great place for family summer vacations and Ontario
delivers just that," added William M. Duron, Chair, OTMPC. "Our new campaign
encourages Ontario residents to explore and discover the many new and
wonderful experiences we have here at home."
A number of other OTMPC marketing initiatives also support the new
campaign and help showcase Ontario's diverse experiences, including the summer
website www.ontariotravel.net/summer; Ontario Travel Discoveries magazine;
inserts in select U.S. newspapers; and various partner programs to promote
distinctive getaways, provincial attractions, great drives, golf, wine and
culinary, theatre, resorts, spas and fine inns.
"The objective of the campaign is to present a refreshed and revitalized
Ontario tourism brand that portrays the province as a fun, dynamic and diverse
travel destination where it is easy for visitors to have a great time,"
explained McInnis. "We should be proud of the many enjoyable things to see and
do in Ontario... it's Yours to Discover."
The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation is the tourism
marketing agency of the Government of Ontario.
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Kitchener City Council Endorses Collaborative Approach to Tourism in Waterloo Region
KITCHENER - On May 9, Kitchener City Council endorsed a discussion paper that encourages a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to tourism in Waterloo Region and proposes a framework for a new regional tourism model.
The ''Discussion Paper Regarding the Delivery of Tourism Services in Waterloo Region'' which City Council endorsed, is the culmination of several years of discussions between local municipalities on the future of tourism in the area.
Most recently, since 2005, the Chief Administrative Officers (CAO) of the Region's seven municipalities have been meeting to try and find a collaborative approach to regional tourism that will benefit the entire region by attracting more visitors and businesses to the area. This week, each CAO is seeking the endorsement of its findings and a proposed framework for a new tourism model from their respective City Councils. The proposed framework is outlined in the discussion paper which was presented to Kitchener City Council last night.
The endorsement of the proposed region-wide tourism model by local City Councils, will allow the CAOs to engage Waterloo Region's tourism industry in in-depth consultations to get their feedback and suggested changes to the proposal.
''There is clear recognition that the success of our local tourism industry would be enhanced by a more comprehensive, region-wide approach to the delivery of tourism services,'' said the City of Kitchener's Chief Administrative Officer Carla Ladd.
"'It's important that we co-operate on a wider regional approach to tourism and attracting visitors, people and business,'' added Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr. ''We're always looking for ways to work more closely with other local municipalities on the delivery of services. This is one area where all local municipalities will benefit from a broader effort, rather than working in isolation as we have done in the past.''
Currently, municipalities within Waterloo Region spend approximately $1.1 million on tourism on both destination marketing activities and visitor services. However, marketing efforts remain singular, with no focus on the region as a whole and no comprehensive marketing strategy or branding to set the region apart as a tourism destination. The City of Kitchener currently spends roughly $200,000 a year on tourism efforts.
'Right now, people come here to visit a specific destination and they often leave the same day without realizing the just how many other opportunities exist in other communities in the region,'' said Ladd.
During their discussions, the CAOs working group reviewed previous reports and efforts at developing a broader approach to tourism and met with a number of experts in the field, and examined best practices and lessons learned. The proposed framework for a new tourism model was developed by the working group through this research and discussion.
Highlights of the proposed model include:
* The creation and implementation of a destination marketing program for the entire region that will include an inclusive branding and strategy.
* A co-ordinated approach to visitor services with each municipality continuing to be responsible for visitor services.
* A focus on the geographic region with provision for future partnerships beyond the region.
* The creation of an arms-length not-for-profit corporation similar to the current model used for Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT).
* Base funding of approximately $750,000-$1,000,000 to be shared between the Region, area municipalities and the tourism industry on an equal basis.
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In 2004 Arts, entertainment and recreation services soared
Operating revenues for golf courses and fitness and recreation centres soared in 2004, reflecting the huge increase in golfers and the fitness rage among Canadians, according to new data for the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.
Fitness and recreation centres accounted for the biggest gain. These centres reported revenue of more than $1.5 billion in 2004, up 20.8% from the year before.
The number of fitness and recreational sports centres in Canada has also grown with overall spending encouraged by rising personal incomes, and increasing awareness of health and fitness among the burgeoning set of baby boomers.
The spectator sports industry, which includes professional and semi-professional sports clubs and teams as well as horse racing, reported operating revenues totalling nearly $2.3 billion. In current dollars, this was a 4.9% increase compared to 2003.
Operating profits in the spectator sports industry rose 0.9% in 2004, reversing a 3.1% decline the year before. Salaries and wages accounted for 48% of total operating expenses for the industry.
(Much of the 2004 data for sports teams represented the 2003/2004 sports season; accordingly, the results of the 2004/2005 hockey season are not reflected in these data.)
Golf courses and country clubs had operating revenues of $2.3 billion, up 15.1%, while they generated $141.6 million in operating profits. Although ski hills reported a more modest revenue increase of 2.6%, their operating profits rose 11.3% in 2004, slightly faster than the 9.3% gain in 2003.
The Annual Survey of Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Services provides a broad picture of the sector, and formerly covered performing arts companies. These companies are now covered by the Survey of Service Industries: Performing Arts. Data for 2004 from this new survey will be available in June 2006.
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Statistics Canada reports that motor gasoline sales increased 58 000 cubic metres or 1.7% in March 2006
May indicated high gas prices only effecting commercial travel with passenger travel actually increasing.
Sales of refined petroleum products totalled 8 489 300 cubic metres in March, down 1.8% from March 2005. Sales decreased in five of the seven major product groups, with heavy fuel down 81 200 cubic metres or 11.0%. Diesel fuel oil sales rose 91 600 cubic metres or 4.1 %, while motor gasoline sales increased 58 000 cubic metres or 1.7%.
Sales of mid-grade (+13.0%) and regular non-leaded gasoline (+2.3%) rose while sales for premium (-7.3%) fell from March 2005.
Year-to-date sales of refined petroleum products at the end of March reached 23 967 100 cubic metres, down 4.8% from the same period of 2005. Sales fell in six of the seven major product groups, with the largest decrease in heavy fuel oil (-466 900 cubic metres or down 21.4%).
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Canadian Alliance of Business Travel Supports Canadian-U.S. Border Issues
OTTAWA - On May 4 the Canadian Alliance of Business Travel, the leading Canadian corporate travel industry association, sponsored a luncheon of the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance's conference - Canadian/U.S. Border: A Unified Focus - taking place this week in Ottawa. The luncheon featured Senator Jerry Grafstein, Co-chair of the Canada/U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group. The conference is designed to raise awareness and advance the dialogue surrounding issues of trans-border travel and commerce between Canada and the United States.
Canadian Alliance President, Tanya Racz, with U.S. Ambassador to Canada,
David H. Wilkins at Canadian/U.S. Border: A Unified Focus in Ottawa. The
Can/Am Border Trade Alliance is an organization of businesses, private and
public sector organizations, and individuals involved in U.S./Canadian trade
and tourism. It seeks to ensure continued growth of two-way trade along the
U.S./Canadian border and assure efficient, productive border crossing
capabilities. The Canadian Alliance of Business Travel and its affiliate in
the United States, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA), are
working with the Can/Am Border Trade Alliance to help ensure the healthy
conduct of business travel and commerce between the two nations, each of which
is the other's most important trading partner.
One key issue for all three groups is the United States' Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). WHTI is a program that will require all
U.S. citizens, Canadians, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of
Bermuda, and citizens of Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure
document to enter and re-enter the U.S. by January 1, 2008. Currently, U.S.
citizens, Canadians and some citizens of other countries in the western
hemisphere are not required to present a passport to enter or re-enter the
U.S. when traveling within the western hemisphere.
The Canadian Alliance and NBTA work together on both sides of the border
to advocate for changes to WHTI designed to eliminate problems the program is
likely to pose for Canadian and U.S. businesses. Most recently, NBTA expressed
the two groups' views to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations, which held a hearing on WHTI last week.
Canadian Alliance President, Tanya Racz, CCTE, said of the Can/Am Border
Trade Alliance conference, "The Canadian Alliance of Business Travel is
pleased to support the Can/Am Border Trade Alliance conference. Our research
shows that Canadian corporate travel managers oversee travel for an average of
269 trans-border travelers within their respective companies. As the voice of
the Canadian business travel industry, we want to ensure the border is secured
using systems that facilitate the safe and smooth passage of those travelers,
whose work helps drive the economies of two nations."
NBTA will sponsor a Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance conference in
Washington, D.C., in September.
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Restaurant and bar owners welcome GST cut
TORONTO - The one-point cut to the goods and services tax announced in today's federal budget is welcome news for Canadian consumers and the small business owners that operate the majority of bar and restaurant businesses in Canada, says the 31,000-member Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA).
"A cut to the GST is tax relief that's hard-wired into the economy," says
Michael Ferrabee, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs with the
CRFA. "The July 1 reduction in the GST to 6% will provide visible and much-
needed tax relief for Canadian consumers on virtually every purchase they
make, putting money directly into their pockets."
A GST cut will also help thousands of small business owners whose
customers pay largely by credit card. These businesses pay credit card
companies a transaction fee of anywhere from 1.6% to 3.5% of the purchase
charged to the credit card, including GST, imposing a significant financial
penalty on business owners to collect the federal government's tax. The 7% GST
costs the foodservice industry alone an estimated $18 million a year in extra
credit card fees.
"A reduction in the GST is an important step toward easing an unfair
financial burden on business owners who collect the tax," says Mr. Ferrabee.
The CRFA has asked the federal government to fulfill its commitment to
further cut the GST to 5% as quickly as possible.
The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association is one of Canada's
largest business associations. Since its founding in 1944, CRFA has grown to
more than 31,000 members, representing restaurants, bars, cafeterias and
social and contract caterers, as well as accommodation, entertainment and
institutional foodservice. Canada's $50-billion foodservice industry employs
more than one million Canadians.
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Canadians conservative on planning summer trips early compared to Americans, but strong summer travel season still expected
Income tax refunds may be the reason - four in ten Canadians likely to
put a tax refund towards a trip this summer
TORONTO - With summer around the corner, many Canadians still appear to be waiting to make their summer travel plans, while Americans plan to book earlier than last year. According to a recent Ipsos- Reid survey, one-third (34 per cent) of Canadians are already planning a trip this summer, not including cottage visits and visits to family members. And yet, half (51 per cent) of Canadians expect to travel as much or more this summer as they did in summer 2005 - a very strong travel period - suggesting that perhaps some Canadians are waiting to make their summer travel plans.
The Canadian survey results differ from a recent American Harris
Interactive survey that found an overwhelming majority of American travellers
are planning and booking summer vacations earlier this year. And while
Americans are booking sooner, some Canadians may be waiting to get their
income tax refund in the mail - nearly four in ten (37 per cent) of Canadians
answered that they would be likely to put a tax refund towards a summer trip.
"Normally, based on our past booking patterns, Canadians often wait until
late spring or early summer to book their summer vacation," said Sean Shannon,
managing director, Expedia.ca. "This year they would be smart to book sooner
to lock in their preferred destinations - abroad to Europe, the U.S. and
leading Canadian summer destinations like Vancouver or Montreal."
Take a Trip on the "Taxman"
In the midst of tax filing season, Canadians were asked how likely they would be to use $1,100, the equivalent of the average Canadian's tax refund, towards a vacation or weekend getaway this summer. Nearly four in ten (37 per cent) Canadians say they would be likely to use this money on travel, and that number bumps up to more than half (55 per cent) among Canadians who are already planning a trip this coming summer. As of May 1, $1,100 is enough to book a week-long vacation to the Whistler Village Inn and Suites in British Columbia or the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu on the St. Lawrence river near Quebec City, Quebec.
Canada Still No. 1 Vacation Destination Despite Stronger Dollar
Among Canadians planning on taking a trip this coming summer - excluding
visits to the cottage or to family members - Canada is the preferred
destination. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents will be taking a pleasure
trip to another province while another 33 per cent will travel within their
own province. This preference for home-grown travel destinations is notable
considering the recent increase in value of the Canadian dollar.
The summer travel survey also revealed that:
- Sixteen per cent of intended travellers will be travelling to the
United States
- Canadians are varied international travellers - one in five
(20 per cent) will be going to other destinations, with Europe being
the most popular of these at 6 per cent
- Caught the travel bug? Three quarters (77 per cent) of anticipated
summer travellers plan to travel the same or more than last summer
- Summer travellers plan to take an average of 1.9 trips; 44 per cent
plan to take two or more trips while 16 per cent plan to take three or
more trips
American Travellers Booking Summer Vacations Sooner
According to a Harris Interactive survey conducted in April 2006, the
vast majority of American adults planning to travel this summer have already
booked or will book their travel plans at least one month in advance.
Meanwhile, the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) said one in every
three U.S. travellers is planning travel earlier this year than they did in
2005, with many already committed to plans for their longest summer trip.
City Breaks Emerge as Canadian Travel Trend
The survey has observed a rise in Canadians taking City Breaks, where travellers take a 3-4 day trip to major North American cities like Chicago or Vancouver. Canadians are showing strong interest in City Breaks, with 51 per cent indicating that it would be an "appealing" vacation option. According to the survey, nearly half (45 per cent) of Canadians intending to travel this summer took a City Break in summer 2005.
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Restaurants, caterers and taverns February 2006
Total estimated sales of the restaurants, caterers and taverns industry reached $2.9 billion in February, up 6.0% compared with the same month a year earlier. (Data are neither seasonally adjusted, nor adjusted for inflation). Favourable economic conditions and particularly mild weather in February are amongst the factors that have contributed to this result.
The largest year-over-year increases, at the provincial level, were recorded in Alberta (+10.7%), Quebec (+8.7%) and Saskatchewan (+7.9%). Ontario, which has the largest provincial share of the industry with 39% of the food service industry sales in February 2006, recorded a year-over-year increase of 5.1%.
The year-over-year increase in sales, at the national level, was due to higher sales at full service (+8.0%) and limited service (+5.5%) restaurants. These two sectors accounted for 85% of industry sales in February. Food service contractors (+10.7%) and social and mobile caterers (+5.4%) also had robust sales in February, with these two sectors accounting for 8.5% of the industry sales during the month.
| Food services sales |
| |
February 2005r |
January 2006r |
February 2006p |
February 2005 to February 2006 |
| |
not seasonally adjusted |
| |
$ thousands |
% change |
| Total, food services sales |
2,708,706 |
2,907,042 |
2,870,545 |
6.0 |
| Full service restaurants |
1,267,799 |
1,348,803 |
1,369,172 |
8.0 |
| Limited service restaurants |
1,009,760 |
1,130,714 |
1,065,163 |
5.5 |
| Food service contractors |
171,025 |
179,598 |
189,311 |
10.7 |
| Social and mobile caterers |
50,870 |
51,809 |
53,639 |
5.4 |
| Drinking places |
209,252 |
196,118 |
193,259 |
-7.6 |
| Provinces and territories |
|
|
|
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| Newfoundland and Labrador |
32,423 |
31,641 |
30,846 |
-4.9 |
| Prince Edward Island |
9,371 |
10,047 |
9,848 |
5.1 |
| Nova Scotia |
58,376 |
62,713 |
60,706 |
4.0 |
| New Brunswick |
48,586 |
53,832 |
49,451 |
1.8 |
| Quebec |
554,975 |
611,796 |
603,337 |
8.7 |
| Ontario |
1,062,879 |
1,134,075 |
1,116,587 |
5.1 |
| Manitoba |
68,950 |
75,657 |
71,372 |
3.5 |
| Saskatchewan |
64,981 |
73,538 |
70,143 |
7.9 |
| Alberta |
337,983 |
372,677 |
374,309 |
10.7 |
| British Columbia |
461,369 |
472,791 |
475,161 |
3.0 |
| Yukon |
2,052 |
2,024 |
1,999 |
-2.6 |
| Northwest Territories |
6,335 |
6,036 |
6,555 |
3.5 |
| Nunavut |
425 |
213 |
229 |
-46.0 |
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Music … it’s in our nature!
Westben’s Seventh Season of Concerts at The Barn: celebrating world class artists, new cultures, and the stars of tomorrow
Campbellford, Ontario… The Westben Arts Festival Theatre celebrates its seventh season with an array of concerts, recitals and events by over 23 world class and emerging Canadian artists at The Barn near Campbellford, Ontario. With music ranging from classical symphony & soloists to operetta, Broadway and world music, the Festival runs from July 1 through August 6, 2006.
Season 2006 blossoms with a Canada Day Symphonic Birthday Bash on July 1st at 7 pm. Full orchestra, chorus and soloists join together to commemorate a host of birthdays including Mozart’s 250th, Campbellford’s 100th and the Barn’s 7th – all on Canada’s 139th! Artists include Michael Burgess, Kim Dafoe, Virginia Hatfield, Nancy Hermiston, Ken Tizzard and Westben founders Donna Bennett and Brian Finley. Enjoy a champagne birthday party on the Meadow following the July 1st performance, or bring a guest born between 1985 and 2005 compliments of Westben for the Sunday afternoon performance. At 11 am on Sunday, families can enjoy the magic of Mozart with pianist Brian Finley in Mozart & Muffins.
The Main Series features a July full of sunny classical and Broadway concerts on weekend afternoons while Westben’s Music of the Night series on Tuesday evenings offers intimate performances amidst the magic of dusk in the Northumberland hills. The Main Series begins with UBC’s Opera Ensemble in Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore directed by Nancy Hermiston (July 8 and 9 at 2 pm). Next, musicians from the Toronto Symphony, K-W Symphony and the Calgary Philharmonic team up with premiere Canadian pianist André Laplante, in Summer Winds: two afternoons of glorious chamber music featuring chamber music of Mozart and Beethoven (July 15 and 18 at 2 pm).
Then it’s off to the royal courts of Europe as world-renowned lyric tenor Mark DuBois joins the Emperor Quartet for DuBois & the Emperor (July 22 and 23 at 2 pm). July finishes on a high note with Aspects of Andrew Lloyd Webber featuring soprano Donna Bennett, mezzo Gabrielle Prata, tenor Keith Klassen, and baritone Robert Longo and pianist Brian Finley (July 26 – 30 at 2 pm).
Classical meets world music during Westben’s Music of the Night series. On July 11th at 7 pm, hear “Order of Canada” piano virtuoso André Laplante. July 18th and 19th commemorates the 250th birthday of Mozart with Notes of Mozart: Letters of the Night featuring renowned Canadian actors Chick Reid and Tom McManus along with Donna Bennett and Brian Finley. Juno award-winning guitarist Robert Michaels and his trio bring a splash of flamenco-jazz to The Barn on July 25. The series wraps up on August 1 with a mesmerizing marimba performance by Prix d-Europe winning Quebec percussionist Anne-Julie Caron.
New to season 2006, Westben presents a “world spin on jazz” in its 3-concert series Jazz – Out of this World! On August 5, Canadian jazz legend Joe Sealy performs his Juno award-winning suite Africville along with favourite jazz standards while award-winning autorickshaw serves up Bollywood tinged jazz standards and fiery Indo-Jazz originals. Finally, the African Guitar Summit unites six of the finest Canadian guitarists of African origin on August 6 at 2 pm.
Learn more – Enjoy more! Join us for Chats on Sunday mornings at 11 am. On July 9, UBC Opera Ensemble Director Nancy Hermiston charts a course through the merry musical mayhem of Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore. Then John Burge, Professor of Music Queen’s University leads a breezy dissertation on the wind music of Mozart and Beethoven on July 16. Finally, on July 23, Emperor Quartet Artistic Director Jef ten Kortenaar describes the music favoured and frowned upon by the royal courts of Marie Antoinette. Westben also offers emerging musical geniuses opportunities to hone their skills in master classes for Voice and Piano. André Laplante leads master classes for young pianists on July 12 and 13 and Donna Bennett and Brian Finley work with young singers and accompanists on July 19 and 20.
Westben Arts Festival Theatre – Concerts at The Barn run from Saturday, July 1 through Sunday, August 6, 2006. Tickets range from $5 to $60 and can be purchased by calling 1-705-653-5508 or 1-877-883-5777 or online at www.westben.on.ca.
Founded by internationally renowned musicians, soprano Donna Bennett and pianist Brian Finley, Westben is where music and nature come wonderfully to life in each other’s company. Audiences of all ages continue to enjoy an array of musical styles from classical to Broadway and jazz to world music at The Barn, Westben’s main performance venue. This 400-seat custom-built, timber-frame theatre is located 3 km outside of Campbellford. Ontario. Situated on a fifty acre farm, The Barn is 40 minutes from Peterborough, Belleville and Cobourg, or 100 minutes east of Toronto.
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May is Museum Month: The Ultimate Museum Experience
Toronto – For the seventh season, the Ontario Museum Association expands on the concept of International Museum Day – May 18 – by declaring the entire month of May to be May is Museum Month. Throughout the province, the public can experience hundreds of hands-on activities and workshops, lectures, concerts and free events. For a complete listing of all May is Museum Month activities, discounts, e-coupons and photo album, visit the website at www.museumsontario.com or call 1-800-ONTARIO.
Ontario’s 600-plus museums, historic sites and art galleries cover a fascinating range of subjects and collections, ranging from agriculture to medicine, shoes to cheese, broadcasting to mining, sports to science and many, many more. All of them, in their unique ways, tell the stories of the people who built this province: our heroes (at the Billy Bishop Heritage Museum in Owen Sound and the Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site [NHS] in Gravenhurst), inventors (at the Banting NHS in London and the Bell Homestead NHS in Brantford), pioneers (at living heritage museums like the Black Creek, Fanshawe and Doon Heritage Crossroads pioneer villages), industrialists (at Sir Harry Oakes Chateau in Kirkland Lake) and First Nations forebears (at Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford and Joseph Brant Museum in Burlington).
This May, discover this province’s unusual collections and learn from experts. Satisfy your curiosity. Let yourself be moved, surprised and delighted. And prepare to have a whole lot of fun with friends and family!
In Ottawa, the national museums are joining with the City of Ottawa museums and others in the region to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend (May 13 and 14) with a jam-packed program of free activities for the whole family. The Canadian Museum of Civilization marks its 150th anniversary by inviting the public behind the scenes. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, the exhibit Fatal Attraction takes a playful look at animal courtship and mating rituals. Photomania at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography will inspire visitors to create their own photo-based masterpieces. The National Gallery of Canada adds a musical note to its Family Funday program with several performances by Opera Lyra Ottawa. On the opening day of Cumberland Heritage Village Museum’s 30th anniversary season, bring a picnic and explore the new exhibit Orphans of Industry: Canada’s Home Children. And the Virtual Museum of Canada, reflecting the endless possibilities of cyberspace, takes visitors on an incredible journey with the migrating monarch butterfly in the exhibit Butterflies North and South.
Beyond the cranes and scaffolding there is much going on inside the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. At the ROM, check out Extreme Makeover: Museum Edition, which illustrates how new spaces were created to showcase never-before-seen artifacts from the museum’s world-renowned First Nations, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and other collections. At the AGO, enjoy the watercolours of David Milne, one of Canada’s greatest artists, and works on paper by Peter Doig. At the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, see how A.Y. Jackson, H.G. Glyde and other significant Canadian artists documented the construction of the Alaska Highway.
On the fashion trail, you’ll find On Canadian Ground: Stories of Footwear in Early Canada, a virtual exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum. Puttin’ on the Ritz at the Thunder Bay Museum presents high fashion in Northwestern Ontario circa 1865–1945, and Common Thread: A History of the Toronto Garment Industry travels to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte. The Windsor Community Museum takes a light-hearted look at head-wear over the last 150 years with Hats “N” Hairstyles. Discover a page of Toronto’s history at Spadina Museum Historic House and Garden with WARdrobe and see how war affected local women’s fashion.
From another world, The Lion King of Mali, at the Textile Museum of Canada, tells the story of the great West African kingdom of the 3rd to the 16th centuries through a selection of masterful cloth ritual garments and beadworks.
Treat yourself to a Mother’s Day brunch or a Victoria Day tea put on by museums and historic sites throughout the province. At Casa Loma in Toronto, get a rare opportunity to dine amid the stately elegance of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt’s Edwardian Estate. Or take advantage of the Museum Month free weekends at the Peel Heritage Complex.
For high-flying fun choose the Wings and Wheels Heritage Festival at the Toronto Aerospace Museum. Then venture to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste-Marie or the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa.
These are only a few of the hundreds of captivating museum events scheduled during May is Museum Month. For a stimulating museum experience, enjoy a weekend outing or vacation escape at one or more of Ontario’s many outstanding museums!
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MISSISSAUGA TOURISM LAUNCHES NEW LURE BROCHURE
MISSISSAUGA – Today, Mississauga Tourism in partnership with WHERE Toronto, launched the first Lure Brochure for Mississauga and the Airport Area. Through this unique initiative, Mississauga Tourism members are highlighted in the new WHERE Mississauga magazine, previously known as WHERE Toronto West magazine.
“It’s a win-win for both partners,” said Mississauga Tourism CEO Suzan Trabert McKay. “We are very pleased with the final product that gives visitors reasons why it just makes sense to choose Mississauga and the Airport area as their next destination.”
Twenty thousand Mississauga Tourism Visitor Guides will be printed in 2006 and are available by calling the Mississauga Tourism office at 905-896-5998 or online at mississaugatourism.ca. In addition, 250,000 copies of WHERE Mississauga will be distributed in 2006 through 55 hotels in Mississauga and the Airport area. Through the two visitor publications, Mississauga and the Airport area is represented in editorial columns and member listings, which introduce the tremendous visitor offerings available in the area.
Mississauga Tourism is a membership-based association representing more than 300 tourism partners and affiliates located in Mississauga and Airport Area. Offering over 10,000 competitively priced hotel rooms and over 1.5 million square feet of meeting and trade show space, Mississauga is accessible by car, plane and boat and is only 90 minutes from the United States (U.S.) border. As Toronto’s largest neighbour, Mississauga is Ontario’s shopping capital, home to Toronto Pearson International Airport and contains the best ‘in class dining’, theatre, gaming, and cultural attractions.
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Ontario's Hospitality Industry Rejects Proposed Liquor Tax
Toronto - The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) today rejected a proposal by the provincial government to allow the City of Toronto to implement a municipal liquor tax, and called on the government to revoke the proposal from Bill 53: Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act. ORHMA President & CEO, Terry Mundell recommended that the Standing Committee on General Government, a sub-committee of the Ontario Legislature, remove the proposal for a municipal liquor tax from the Bill.
"Bill 53 threatens the sustainability of the hospitality industry", said Mundell. "The government is literally proposing a fourth tax line on a customer's bill. This will cost jobs, lower operating margins, and close the doors of restaurants and pubs across the City."
Between 1998 and 2005, average growth in the hospitality industry in Ontario, only 3.5%, has lagged behind the rest of Canada (4.9%). Operating margins in the industry have steadily declined over last five years, and sales in Ontario's bar, tavern and nightclub sector are below 1999 figures.
"With average pre-tax profit margins in restaurants and bars ranging from only 1.9% and 0.9% respectively, Toronto's hospitality industry simply can't afford to take another hit, and they certainly can't afford to be seen as a short term fix to Toronto's long-term financial problems", said Mundell. "The City's books cannot be balanced on the back of an industry which is 63% independently owned and operated."
Toronto's 4,100 restaurants and bars already pay more than $165 million in fees, levies, mark-ups and taxes to the provincial and federal governments, and remit more than $43 million in retail sales tax to the provincial government on the sale of beverage alcohol. This is net of significant payments to the city for municipal property taxes, user fees and licensing fees.
Ontario's hospitality industry generates $18.32 billion in annual sales, and directly employs more than 415,000 Ontarians.
The ORHMA is Canada's largest provincial hospitality industry association, with more than 4,100 members representing 11,000 businesses.
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2006 Jeep(R) Jamboree Season
WINDSOR, ON - Experience the go anywhere, do anything sensation during the 2006 Jeep(R) Jamboree season sponsored by the Jeep brand. The series of five Jeep Jamborees held across the country from June to August, 2006 are the ultimate in off-road adventures.
For over fifty years, Jeep owners and their families have participated in these four-wheel drive week-ends of fun. This year participants can choose from spectacular trails in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.
"Jeep Jamborees are a fun, safe and environmentally sensitive way for a family or enthusiast to enjoy the full capability of their Jeep vehicle," said Judy Wheeler, Vice President, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Canada. "Whether driving a Jeep Wrangler, Commander, Grand Cherokee or Liberty, we encourage owners to take the Jeep Jamboree challenge. And don't forget your camera!"
Jeep Jamboree trails range in ratings from two (the least difficult) to nine (the most difficult) and are designed to accommodate all skill levels. For those that are new to off-roading or who need a refresher course in off- road techniques, Jeep 101 is offered at the base camp of each event. Nearly 500 vehicles and 900 enthusiasts participated in the 2005 Jeep Jamboree season.
Each event is limited to approximately 100 vehicles for environmental reasons and interested Jeep owners are encouraged to register early. The cost to participate is $535 for a family (2 adults and 2 to 3 youths), $235 per adult, $110 per youth (ages 7 to 15), $70 per child (ages 3 to 6) and no charge for children under three. Discounted, early-bird rates are available until April 30. All registration fees include seven meals.
2006 Jeep Jamboree Canada schedule:
- Annapolis Valley - Kingston, Nova Scotia, June 23 - 25
- Kawarthas Weekend No. 1 - Bobcaygeon/Buckhorn, Ontario, July 7 - 9
- Kawarthas Weekend No. 2 - Bobcaygeon/Buckhorn, Ontario, July 14 - 16
- Penticton - Penticton, British Columbia, August 4 - 6
- Knowlton - Knowlton, Québec, August 18 - 20
To register for a Jeep Jamboree weekend or to obtain additional information, log on to www.jeepjamboreecanada.com or call 1-888-678-JEEP (5337).
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Traveling with ‘Little Ones’ Easier Than Ever With Disney’s New Magical Beginnings
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – On April 25, Disney announced a new, breakthrough program devoted to families traveling with toddlers or preschoolers. Called Magical Beginnings, it was custom designed based on both consumer research and guest feedback and is aimed at reducing the hassles and increasing the magic for parents when vacationing with toddlers and preschoolers.
“Magical Beginnings is all about making our parks and resorts even more accessible and appealing to a huge and important group of people – families with very young children,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Magical Beginnings reinforces our commitment to creating an easy-to-plan, easy-to-navigate vacation filled with activities that allow families to create lifelong memories.”
Disney theme parks in Florida and California have always been the perfect playground for the whole family, but new attractions, shows and amenities make the parks and resort hotels even more welcoming to “little ones.”
Timeless attractions, special kid’s menus, character dining, children’s programs, length-of-stay stroller rental at the theme parks, plus kiddie pools, play areas and in-room babysitting at Disney resort hotels were all created with young guests in mind.
The new Magical Beginnings program offers value travel packages, captivating entertainment, targeted planning tools and a host of services and amenities to make navigating Disney parks with children five years and younger easier then ever.
Recent research released by travel marketing experts Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell (YPB&R) shows that eight out of ten families believe the ideal age to take a first major vacation with children is when the children are five years old or younger. The research revealed the families are seeking family-friendly destinations that offer activities for both kids and parents. Florida and California are the states family travelers want to visit most, with Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort as the preferred destinations. And nine out of ten preschool parents would consider taking their young children on a theme park vacation as long as the park offered age-appropriate rides and services.
“Age-appropriate activities and attractions are very important to this group of family travelers,” said “Peter Yesawich, chairman and chief executive officer of YPB&R. “That’s why theme parks and, in particular, the Disney parks, are a natural vacation choice for families vacationing with toddlers and preschoolers.”
Rekindling childhood memories and creating new family traditions is easy at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts as each features myriad attractions and entertainment options relevant to preschoolers.
“We continue to survey our guests around the world and evaluate our attractions and entertainment to remain as relevant as possible,” said Rasulo. “Magical Beginnings is really the product of that listening and research. We think this new Magical Beginnings season will really resonate with families with toddlers and preschoolers.”
Walt Disney World Introduces a Travel Season Just for Little Ones
Walt Disney World Resort has created an exciting seven-week travel period filled with savings and special events ideal for youngsters and parents during a traditionally less busy time of year.
· From Aug. 13 to Sept. 30, these families can enjoy a new package that offers free dining for the entire family. Packages include a five-day, four-night stay at a value resort, “Magic Your Way” theme park tickets and free Disney Dining plan (one table-service meal, one snack and one quick-service meal per day). Packages begin at US$950 for two adults and one child (ages 3-9), US$173 per additional child.
· Throughout the special travel time Disney will showcase dynamic concerts and special entertainment for little ones. “Playhouse Disney in Concert,” presented by Huggies and Pull-Ups brands, includes performances by Disney Channel favorites The Wiggles, who will perform multiple shows daily, Aug. 29-Sept. 1. The award-winning Australian foursome will rouse the crowd with songs like “Yummy, Yummy” and “Big Red Car” as they headline a kid-friendly concert at Disney-MGM Studios. Youngsters can dance and sing along with other favorites including the Doodlebops; Johnny & the Sprites, featuring Johnny Tartaglia; Dan Zanes and more – all scheduled to appear during the seven-week travel time. Plus, Disney Live family entertainment featuring the new “Mickey’s Magic Show” created by Feld Entertainment will make its first-ever park appearance.
· During the Little Ones Travel Time, Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom will open an hour early on select days for Disney guests and their small-fry for favorites such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, it’s a small world and Peter Pan’s Flight, and a new play area called Pooh’s Playful Spot. Plus, youngsters can meet favorite characters during the special edition Extra Magic Hours. While guests must have Resort ID and valid ticketing for the parks offering this Fantasyland Extra Magic Hours, there is no additional charge to enjoy this extra time in the parks. This early access allows families with young ones to get an early start to their day and maximize park time before heading back to their Disney resort for an afternoon break.
· Character dining experiences have traditionally proven to be a great way to introduce little ones to Disney characters, with a dozen offerings throughout Disney parks and resorts. Coming this summer, kids can now dine and get autographs with Playhouse Disney pals JoJo and Goliath, and characters from Disney’s Little Einsteins will meet and greet guests at Hollywood and Vine at Disney-MGM Studios.
· Other magical experiences for little ones include the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at World of Disney in Downtown Disney. A little a girl can be transformed into her favorite princess with fancy hairstyles, glittery nails and dazzling costume makeovers. Reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are strongly encouraged by calling 407/WDW-STYLE. And young adventurers can pretend to sail the high seas and hoist the Jolly Roger in the new, interactive Adventure Room in World of Disney. Young heroes and heroines can fill treasure chests and skulls with pirate plunder, create their own seafaring hat and interact with a new pirate named Rusty Blade.
· Planning a trip and navigating the parks will be easier than ever thanks to on-line planning tools, a Magical Beginnings in-park map highlighting age-appropriate attractions, hassle-reducing services and specially trained Disney reservation agents. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and select “Something For Everyone” and choose “Preschoolers” for more details and travel tips.
· Guests traveling by air don’t need to worry about carting their luggage and their little ones through the airport. With the innovative and complimentary Disney’s Magical Express, guests check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport and are whisked to all the Disney fun while their bags are delivered to their hotel rooms.
Bookings for the new travel package during the Little Ones Travel Time at Walt Disney World Resort can be made through June 4 by calling 407/WDW-PREK, or www.disneyworld.com/preK.
Disneyland Resort Launches Magical Beginnings, Where Disney Magic Began
The best way to introduce little ones to the magic of Disneyland Resort in Southern California where Disney theme park magic began is with the Magical Beginnings travel package, available Aug. 13- Nov. 21, 2006. Two-night packages start from US$239 per adult. Package highlights include:
· Accommodations at a conveniently located Anaheim-area Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, with complimentary shuttle service to the Disneyland Resort Main Entrance ticketing plaza.
· 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket, valid for same-day entry into both Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park.
· Early entry into Fantasyland in Disneyland, where families can take advantage of a morning head-start on the most charming of Disneyland attractions such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Storybook Land Canal Boats, King Arthur’s Carrousel and it’s a small world.
· One entry into Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness – an interactive character experience exclusive to vacation package guests. It’s an opportunity to meet and greet famous Disney characters, including the Mayor of Toontown – Mickey Mouse. The experience begins an hour before the area opens to the general public, ensuring an intimate character experience for families with young children.
· Preferred seating to “Playhouse Disney-Live On Stage!” in Disney’s California Adventure. Families get up-close seating for this smash hit show starring Jim Henson’s Bear in the Big Blue House and JoJo’s Circus. Families will also receive preferred seating at a number of other shows throughout Disney’s California Adventure park.
· Optional experiences include numerous Disney character dining opportunities throughout Disneyland Resort, including a Disney Princess-themed lunch or dinner at Ariel’s Grotto in Disney’s California Adventure. Also, families can head to Downtown Disney District for a stop at Club Libby Lu, where little girls can become their own princesses of the kingdom with hair and costume makeovers.
· All package guests receive a colorful Magical Beginnings guide map that highlights all the fun for little ones, with suggestions geared towards enjoying Disneyland Resort’s two theme parks with youngsters.
· Bookings for the new Magical Beginnings package at Disneyland Resort can be made by calling 877/TOTS-DLR or your travel agent.
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WTTC signals continued growth and room for improvement in new report for China and SARs
Beijing, PRC - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) presented on April 24 its brand new report on China, China Hong Kong SAR and China Macau SAR: The Impact of Travel & Tourism on Jobs and the Economy to China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Beijing Tourism Authority (BTA) as well as over 100 representatives from the Travel & Tourism and media community of Beijing.
Just three years after releasing its groundbreaking report on Travel & Tourism in China and Hong Kong SAR, WTTC has found it necessary to follow up that work and produce an update for one simple and compelling reason – within ten years China will become the second largest Travel & Tourism economy in the world.
The research contains economic projections for the growth of Travel & Tourism in China and a series of policy recommendations intended to maximize the potential of Travel & Tourism to the country's economy and tap its position as a leading catalyst for economic development and job creation.
At the launch in Beijing, WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten said, “Although we would normally wait five or even ten years before returning to a country to update the report, it is clear that China’s Travel & Tourism industry is moving at the speed of light. The Members of WTTC asked us to return after just three years to update the TSA research and forecasts and follow up on the policy recommendations that were made in 2003 and provide even deeper analysis and policy discussion. We’re all running very fast to keep up with the changes that are taking place here, in Hong Kong and Macau and this new report is right in tune and right in time to add more food for thought and help focus our attention on the next round of issues that must be raised in order to keep Travel & Tourism in China growing.”
In China for 2006, WTTC is forecasting:
Demand: Encompassing all components of Travel & Tourism consumption, investment, government spending and exports to grow 14.0 per cent (real terms) and total Rmb 2,770.3 billion (US$353.7 billion) in 2006. The ten-year annualized growth (2007-2016) forecast is 8.7 per cent per annum. This makes China the second fastest growing country in the world in terms of Travel & Tourism Total Demand.
Visitor Exports (Foreign Visitor spending in an Economy): Spending by inbound international visitors is expected to total Rmb 588.2 billion (US$75.1 billion) in 2006, representing 7.4 per cent of total exports.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Travel & Tourism's contribution to China's economy is illustrated by the direct industry impact of 2.9 per cent of total GDP and the combined direct and indirect impact of the Travel & Tourism economy, which is expected to total 13.7 per cent in 2006.
Employment: China’s Travel & Tourism industry is expected to account for 17,383,000 jobs or 2.3 per cent of total employment in 2006. The broader perspective of the Travel & Tourism economy (direct and indirect), which includes the spillover employment associated with industry capital investment and government spending, is expected to account for 77,600,000 jobs dependent on Travel & Tourism or 10.2 per cent of total employment.
In order for China to realize its potential in Travel & Tourism, WTTC's principal policy recommendations include:
· Add two weeks of additional paid vacation to help spread the seasonality for Travel & Tourism and provide for a more stable and sustainable year-long industry.
· Unlock the potential of domestic tourism by developing the budget hotel sector.
· Encourage open markets and skies to improve air access and remove barriers to growth.
· Develop a well-balanced regulatory framework for Timeshare that will help fuel the future growth of the industry while protecting the consumer’s interests.
· Exempt the industry from permanent residence requirements and open the doors wider to external expertise that can assist in accelerating information and technology transfer.
· Expand English language capacity building and make it a required course of study for all Travel & Tourism programs and new hire employees.
· Enhance safety and security in the light of recent world events (such as terrorism and natural disasters) so that contingency plans are in place.
· Develop access to capital resources and encourage sustained capital investment opportunities, providing for and legislating the repatriation of revenues by international companies.
· Adopt the principles of ecological preservation as outlined in Agenda 21, developed for the Travel & Tourism industry after the 1992 Rio Earth Summit by WTTC, the World Tourism Organization and the Earth Council.
· Promote responsibility in natural, social and cultural environments by establishing clear procedures and guidelines.
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Travel between Canada and other countries February 2006
While Canadian residents set a new record for trips to overseas countries in February, same-day car travel from the United States fell to its lowest monthly level on record.
A record high 547,000 Canadians travelled to overseas countries. This represented a 1.5% gain from January, the third consecutive monthly increase. (Unless otherwise specified, monthly data are seasonally adjusted whereas exchange rates are not).
Same-day car travel from the United States to Canada dropped to its lowest level on record in February, falling below the 1.2 million mark for the first time ever.
In addition, the estimated 1.1 million overnight trips taken by American residents to Canada was the lowest monthly level in almost nine years. Overall, only 2.4 million American residents took trips to Canada in February, down 2.3% from the month before and the lowest month on record since May 1979.
The Canadian dollar was worth 87.0 US cents on average in February, up 0.7% compared to January. The loonie also gained against the euro, British pound sterling and Japanese yen.
Canadians made fewer than 3.2 million trips to the United States during February, down 7.1% from January.
The number of same-day car trips by Canadians fell 8.0% to just under 1.9 million, the lowest level since June last year. In addition, they made fewer than 1.3 million trips of one night or more, a 5.7% decline.
Although Canadians travelled overseas in record numbers, the same could not be said for overseas visitors to Canada. The number of visitors from overseas countries to Canada dropped 3.3% to about 369,000, its lowest level in over a year.
Travel from 9 of Canada's top 12 overseas markets fell in February, the largest decline (-9.0%) recorded by Mexico. Travel from the biggest market, the United Kingdom, was down 6.5%.
However, the number of visitors from Hong Kong rose 9.3%, the largest gain among Canada's most important overseas markets.
| Travel between Canada and other countries |
| |
January 2006r |
February 2006p |
January to February 2006 |
February 2006 |
February 2005 to February 2006 |
| |
seasonally adjusted |
unadjusted |
| |
'000 |
% change |
'000 |
% change |
| Canadian trips abroad1 |
3,953 |
3,717 |
-6.0 |
3,171 |
2.2 |
| to the United States |
3,414 |
3,170 |
-7.1 |
2,520 |
1.0 |
| to Other Countries |
539 |
547 |
1.5 |
652 |
7.0 |
| Same-day car trips to the United States |
2,014 |
1,853 |
-8.0 |
1,509 |
0.5 |
| Total trips, one or more nights |
1,879 |
1,810 |
-3.7 |
1,605 |
4.8 |
| United States2 |
1,340 |
1,263 |
-5.7 |
953 |
3.3 |
| Car |
781 |
728 |
-6.8 |
410 |
0.7 |
| Plane |
467 |
443 |
-5.3 |
500 |
7.1 |
| Other modes of transportation |
91 |
92 |
1.6 |
44 |
-10.3 |
| Other countries3 |
539 |
547 |
1.5 |
652 |
7.0 |
| Travel to Canada1 |
2,876 |
2,806 |
-2.4 |
1,825 |
-11.6 |
| from the United States |
2,494 |
2,437 |
-2.3 |
1,620 |
-12.7 |
| from Other Countries |
382 |
369 |
-3.3 |
206 |
-1.9 |
| Same-day car trips from the United States |
1,221 |
1,197 |
-2.0 |
929 |
-12.7 |
| Total trips, one or more nights |
1,525 |
1,477 |
-3.2 |
835 |
-10.5 |
| United States2 |
1,151 |
1,116 |
-3.1 |
632 |
-12.9 |
| Car |
718 |
682 |
-4.9 |
381 |
-11.6 |
| Plane |
305 |
307 |
0.5 |
208 |
-12.3 |
| Other modes of transportation |
128 |
126 |
-1.4 |
43 |
-25.0 |
| Other countries3 |
374 |
361 |
-3.6 |
203 |
-2.1 |
| Most important overseas markets4 |
|
|
|
|
|
| United Kingdom |
74 |
69 |
-6.5 |
45 |
-10.5 |
| Japan |
37 |
37 |
-0.3 |
21 |
-2.6 |
| France |
30 |
29 |
-2.9 |
23 |
0.5 |
| Germany |
28 |
27 |
-3.5 |
12 |
-1.4 |
| Mexico |
20 |
18 |
-9.0 |
8 |
21.4 |
| South Korea |
16 |
17 |
7.1 |
10 |
10.7 |
| Australia |
16 |
15 |
-2.8 |
8 |
-11.5 |
| China |
10 |
11 |
6.3 |
6 |
15.6 |
| Hong Kong |
9 |
10 |
9.3 |
6 |
-33.3 |
| Netherlands |
10 |
9 |
-7.8 |
4 |
-7.9 |
| India |
9 |
8 |
-4.5 |
4 |
30.9 |
| Taiwan |
9 |
8 |
-3.4 |
4 |
-21.7 |
| p | Preliminary. |
| r | Revised. |
| 1. | Totals exceed the sum of "same-day car trips" and "total trips, one or more nights" because they include all of the same-day trips. |
| 2. | Estimates for the United States include counts of cars and buses, and estimated numbers for planes, trains, boats and other methods. |
| 3. | Figures for other countries exclude same-day entries by land only, via the United States. |
| 4. | Includes same-day and one or more night trips. |
|
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World Travel & Tourism Council Launches Long-term Forecast for Middle East Travel & Tourism Potential
The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes members of the media to join a special meeting with WTTC Members and other prominent industry leaders from across the Middle East and the world on Saturday April 29, 2006 at 11.00 at the Emirates Towers in Dubai. This event will be hosted by Gerald Lawless, CEO, Jumeirah Group.
The Middle East and in particular United Arab Emirates has experienced a remarkable success in Travel & Tourism growth and development. The newly released research, produced by the Oxford Economic Forecasting and sponsored by Accenture, indicates that in 2006 the Middle East Travel & Tourism Economy (direct and indirect impact) is expected to account for 9.6 per cent of GDP and create 4,590,000 jobs (10.1 per cent of total employment).
The research contains new economic projections for the growth of Travel & Tourism in the UAE and provides a new perspective on what the recent investment in the various mega-projects including the Palms, the Waterfront, the Marina, Dubailand and Festival City land are likely to produce.
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Tourism Toronto aggressively targets new markets to offset decline in visitors from the U.S.
TORONTO - In response to challenges arising from uncertainty surrounding required travel documents, currency exchange rates, increased competition and low consumer awareness, Tourism Toronto is stepping up marketing efforts with partners in key markets with high-impact campaigns to capitalize on untapped opportunities in the U.S. and abroad.
"More than ever we are combining our efforts with key partners like
Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC), the Canadian
Tourism Commission (CTC), City of Toronto and nearby destinations such as
Niagara and Ottawa to maximize our reach and results," said Lyle Hall, Chair
of the Tourism Toronto Board of Directors.
"This year, we're taking things to the next level to raise Toronto's
profile in more markets than ever before," said Bruce MacMillan, President and
CEO of Tourism Toronto, who spoke at the industry association's annual general
meeting today at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "The U.S. market is very
challenging right now and looming changes to passport rules will certainly
intensify the problem. That is why our U.S. marketing campaigns this year aim
to re-energize demand in the border states and also reach deeper into the U.S.
to new markets," said MacMillan.
This spring and summer, the Toronto region will be part of a full-colour
insert in weekend newspapers in 25 different U.S. markets, reaching over 7
million homes. Toronto's portion of the initiative, a partnership with OTMPC,
Niagara and Ottawa, aims to reignite interest in Toronto as an adventurous,
creative destination in the valuable border states, and introduce Toronto in
major mid-range markets including Boston, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, among
others.
"By combining the strengths of Ontario's different regions we present an
even more compelling destination and help travellers see the wide range of
experiences and contrasts that await in Ontario," said Sandra McInnis,
President and CEO, OTMPC.
"Last year was our best year since the 1990's in the overseas market and
with aggressive marketing and sales efforts we can seize even more of these
growing markets," said MacMillan.
Overseas initiatives for 2006 include "subway dominations" this month in Tokyo. Tourism Toronto has partnered with OTMPC, the CTC and a major Japanese tour operator to blanket entire commuter trains with ads for Toronto and other Ontario destinations. Tourism Toronto also recently launched versions of its web site in Japanese, Chinese and Korean that have already garnered nearly 1 million visits. In addition to Asia, Tourism Toronto and its partners are renewing their investment in the widely-successful consumer campaign in the U.K., a market that generated over 300,000 visitors to Toronto in 2005.
The campaign will in the spring and fall of 2006 with magazine inserts, national print advertising and radio spots on London's most popular broadcast outlets. 2005 proved to be a mixed year for tourism in Toronto. While the number of overseas visitors reached 1.6 million, the highest in four years, U.S. visitors declined to 2.8 million, a decrease of 17 per cent since 2001. "The big opportunity lies in our remarkable product," said MacMillan. "New and expanded cultural attractions combine with our authentic neighbourhoods and outstanding regional recreation to make the Greater Toronto region an inspiring destination. It's a strength we exploit around the world." Tourism Toronto is an industry association of more than 1,000 members established to strategically market the Greater Toronto Region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travellers around the globe.
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Romance Blooms at Epcot April 21-June 11, 2006 for 13th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Donald and Daisy topiaries cruise through a floral tunnel of love while topiaries of Cinderella and Prince Charming "waltz" amid blossoms and greenery. Disney "sweetheart" topiaries based on decades of happily-ever-after classic stories add romance and whimsy to the 13th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival April 21-June 11 at Walt Disney World Resort.
The seven-week festival, known by gardening aficionados for its celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and planting demonstrations, will take place in the park's Future World and World Showcase. Thirty million blooms, intricately designed floral beds, artfully crafted bonsai trees, lush rose gardens and more Disney character topiaries will grace the park's 300 acres. Nightly Flower Power concerts will rock the landscape with live entertainment from top acts of the 1960s and '70s, including Tony Orlando in Concert, The Guess Who and The Association.
Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden, which debuted last year, will return with hundreds of butterflies in a screened, walk-through enclosure and will include a live exhibit showing how caterpillars form a chrysalis and emerge as butterflies.
Themed festival events pump up the fun with the child-friendly I Dig Bugs weekend, Art in the Garden weekend and the time-honored Mother's Day weekend, among others. Other festival features include:
- The Festival Center, where guests can find program guides and festival merchandise, as well as guest speakers and demonstrations.
- A "see and sniff" Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion showcasing flowers in several perfumes.
- Disney Gardening at Home presentations where Disney horticulturists share tips and secrets for at-home gardening.
- Kids' activities, including the fun-filled Tinker Bell's Fairy Garden, Disney character meet and greets and daily ladybug releases.
- Family fun at the new Growing Future Gardeners area.
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World Leaders In Responsible Tourism Recognized At Global Summit: 2006 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Winners Announced
Washington DC, USA - The World Travel & Tourism Council announced the winners of the 2006 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards at the 6th Global Travel and Tourism Summit. The awards recognize and promote best practices in tourism development all over the world. The winners are:-
Destination Award – Sierra Gorda, Mexico
Conservation Award – Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya
Investor in People Award – Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica
Global Tourism Business Award – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canada
The winners were selected by a panel of six judges, chaired by Costas Christ, President of the Adventure Council and a world expert on sustainable tourism. The judging process included on-site evaluation visits of all Award finalists by a team of sustainable tourism experts from around the world. The panel of judges consisted of:-
Costas Christ, Judging Chairman;
The Hon John Briceno, Deputy Prime Minister, Belize;
Hitesh Mehta, Director, Ecotourism and Environmental Planning, EDSA Landscape Architects, Planners & Graphic Designers;
Graham Boynton, Group Travel Editor, the Daily Telegraph;
Roger Dow, CEO, Travel Industry Association of America
Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of WTTC said during the awards ceremony, which took place during the 6th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, “Travel & Tourism has huge economic and social potential. More and more, there are examples from all over the world where this potential is being realized and the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards highlight the very best of these.”
In a speech to delegates attending the Global Travel & Tourism Summit, Costas Christ said, “How tourism grows and develops is of great consequence to our environment and to the people whose lives its growth will impact. The Earth’s natural and cultural heritage must be maintained if future generations are going to benefit from travel and tourism as an opportunity for economic development and social well-being. The 2006 Tourism for Tomorrow Award winners are demonstrating to the world that sustainable tourism practices can be a part of business success.”
Sierra Gorda, Mexico – Destination Award Winner
The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, located in the state of Querétaro, is the most ecodiverse reserve in the country, and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Sierra Gorda Ecotours, developed by the Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda to oversee environmental conservation efforts, provides the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the biosphere while ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and contributing to the livelihoods of the communities who operate the project’s three tourism lodges. Within the conservation framework of the Biosphere Reserve (which is Mexico’s most populated Natural Protected Area), Sierra Gorda Ecotours promotes and supervises training for lodge staff, implements quality standards and undertakes community and tourist educational activities. www.sierragordamexico.org
Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya – Conservation Award Winner
Campi ya Kanzi (“Hidden Treasure” in Swahili) offers tented camp lodgings and Maasai-led walking safaris located in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya on a private group ranch owned by local Maasai herdsmen. In a country where 75 percent of the wildlife population lives outside officially designated Game Reserves and National Parks, Campi ya Kanzi offers a way for conservation to involve local people in protecting the wildlife that roams their land. Conservation fees charged to visitors are reinvested in the community, assisting with employment of teachers, providing health care and building infrastructure projects such as schools and dispensaries. The Maasai have participated in all stages of the development of Campi ya Kanzi, from the building to the management and running of the camp. www.maasai.com
Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica – Investor in People Award Winner
Hotel Punta Islita is a boutique hotel located on a remote cove of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province. Entirely owned by Costa Rican investors, it is set in a pristine tract of tropical dry forest and is trimmed by the Pacific Ocean and rugged mountains. Since its 1994 inauguration, Hotel Punta Islita bound its success to the consolidation of strong symbiotic ties with the surrounding villages. Providing tangible benefits, educational programs, and economic opportunities to the local communities has gradually transformed a slash-and-burn impoverished agricultural area into a thriving collective of local tourism professionals and entrepreneurs. Today, the hotel offers a unique and successful blend of natural beauty and cultural authenticity set in a framework of responsible tourism. www.puntaislita.com
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canada – Global Tourism Business Award Winner
Since 1884, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has welcomed guests to a remarkable collection of historic hotels, lodges and retreats. Fairmont’s properties reflect authentic surroundings and offer environmental best practices and cultural heritage preservation. The company was founded on an enduring connection to the land and to local communities and since 1990 has pioneered the Fairmont Green Partnership Program. The program focuses on improvements in the areas of waste management, energy and water conservation, as well as community outreach. Fairmont’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices encompasses everything from recycling and organic waste diversion in the hotels’ kitchens to retrofitting energy efficient lighting and educating guests on environmental conservation practices. www.fairmont.com
Awards Finalists included:
Destination Award:
Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries, Greece – www.cookingincrete.com
Kerala, India – www.keralatourism.org
Conservation Award:
Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, South Africa - www.bushmanskloof.co.za
Dolphin Watch Pamilacan, Philippines – judy_quiachon@yahoo.com
Investor in People Award:
Turtle Island, Fiji – www.turtlefiji.com.au
Yachana Lodge, Ecuador – www.yachana.com
Global Tourism Business Award:
Chaa Creek, Belize – www.chaacreek.com
Intrepid Travel, Australia and Global – www.intrepidtravel.com
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Domestic travel First quarter 2005
Canadian residents made 43.2 million visits in the country during the first quarter of 2005. About 20.3 million visits were to see friends or relatives, while more than 15.6 million were made for pleasure. Together, these two categories accounted for 83.2% of all visits in Canada. Of the remaining visits, 2.2 million were for business reasons and 5.1 million for other reasons such as bringing someone to the airport.
In the first three months of 2005, the majority of visits made by Canadians in Canada were same-day, accounting for 63.5% of the total. Overnight visits reached 15.8 million.
For overnight visits, Canadian residents spent 40.8 million nights away from home. Of these nights, 66.4% were spent in private homes, while 18.1% were spent in hotels and motels.
These results represent some of the preliminary estimates of domestic travel for the first quarter of 2005 that are now available from the Travel Survey of Residents of Canada.
Note: In order to be considered a domestic visit, visits have to originate and take place in Canada, end during the reference period, be less than 365 days/nights in duration, and be outside of the respondent's "usual" environment.
Since the beginning of 2005, a new survey called the Travel Survey of Residents of Canada (TSRC) has been conducted monthly to measure domestic travel in Canada. Featuring several definitional changes and a new questionnaire, this new survey provides estimates of domestic travel that are more in line with the international guidelines recommended by the United Nations. Up to the fourth quarter of 2004, estimates on domestic travel were provided by the Canadian Travel Survey (CTS). Please note that the TSRC estimates cannot be compared with those from the CTS. A document entitled "Communications for the Travel Survey of Residents of Canada," which explains the differences between these two surveys, is available upon request.
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Discover a colossal city of antiquity - PETRA: Lost City of Stone
Gatineau, Quebec, April 6, 2006 — The ancient city of Petra was a wonder of international commerce, stone-carved architecture, and waterworks engineering in the midst of the desert. Two thousand years later, Petra is one of the most significant sites of antiquity. Its founders, the Nabataeans, are still hailed for their business acumen, artistic talents, and technical innovations.
The fascinating city of Petra and its people are the subject of PETRA: Lost City of Stone, a major exhibition opening at the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC), in Gatineau, Quebec.
Petra was a thriving metropolis located in the forbidding desert canyons of southern Jordan. Literally carved from stone, this city of 3,000 temples, tombs, and dwellings was once home to an estimated 20,000 people. The city was notable for its sophisticated water system that ensured its people a reliable water supply — an engineering feat in the harsh desert environment.
“Even today, Petra has the power to astonish visitors with its physical setting and the scale and artistry of its stone work,” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “Its impact on desert caravans 2,000 years ago was profound. This exhibition explores the essence of the colossal city and allows us to share an enduring sense of wonder and respect.”
PETRA: Lost City of Stone includes more than 170 artifacts selected from museums in Jordan, Europe, and the United States. Some of the artifacts were unearthed only recently and are being shown in North America for the first time. The exhibition is organized by the Cincinnati Art Museum and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
The exhibition offers a rich portrait of the city and its people. It features stone sculptures and reliefs, ceramics, metalwork, inscriptions, and a selection of nineteenth-century paintings, drawings and prints. Among the highlights are pieces such as an elephant-headed capital, a beautifully sculpted frieze from a Nabataean temple, and a monumental bust of the Nabataean god Dushara.
Complementing the artifacts are large projection screens that convey the grandeur of Petra’s physical setting, and the size and magnificence of its major monuments. Some of the stone façades the city is famous for are over 30 metres tall. One of the most celebrated of these appeared in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Petra prospered for centuries at the confluence of major trade roads. The city drew its wealth from the camel caravans that ferried precious cargoes from India and Arabia to markets in Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Syria.
“By linking the Roman Empire to the Far East, Petra grew into one of the great crossroads of the ancient world — benefitting her citizens financially and culturally,” added Dr. Rabinovitch. “The mixing of peoples and ideas is evident in the city’s art, religions, and architecture.”
By the seventh century, however, the city had sunk into obscurity. Its decline had started with the development of ocean trade routes and accelerated after a massive earthquake in A.D. 363. Forgotten by the outside world a thousand years, a thinly populated Petra was “rediscovered” by a Swiss explorer in 1812. It has been an object of Western fascination ever since.
The Bedouin of Petra
The main exhibition is complemented by The Bedouin of Petra, an exhibition of 25 photographs taken by photojournalist Vivian Ronay between 1986 and 2003. These images offer a vivid look at the lives of Petra’s contemporary residents, Arab Bedouins known as the Bedoul.
PETRA will be featured at the Canadian Museum of Civilization until January 2, 2007. This is the final stop on the exhibition’s tour.
PETRA: Lost City of Stone was organized under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Air transportation is generously provided by Royal Jordanian.
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Canadian Cycling Association Announces New Partnership with H&R Block Canada
OTTAWA, April 5 - The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to announce that H&R Block Canada, Inc. has been named an Official Gold-Level Partner to the Canadian National Cycling Teams as part of a new three-year partnership with the Canadian Cycling Association.
H&R Block will be part of the CCA's ongoing efforts to support cycling athletes and promote the sport across Canada and worldwide. In addition, H&R Block employees will help support community development programs and work to raise awareness of the CCA in their local areas.
"H&R Block is proud to be sponsoring the Canadian Cycling Association's National team as they build toward the 2008 Olympics," says Todd McCallum, Vice President Market and Business Development, H&R Block Canada. "Our relationship with the Canadian Cycling Association allows our company to support amateur athletes in Canada and their Olympic aspirations and at the same time, contribute to local programs that encourage cycling activities for all ages."
This new partnership matches two organizations that are international in scope and will see H&R Block support the development of current and future national team cyclists through an innovative program that will include title sponsorship of a fundraising campaign to be launched later this year in Calgary, Alberta with future plans of rolling it out nationally in 2007 and 2008.
"This exciting new partnership with H&R Block will help us build a stronger future for all levels of cycling in Canada," added Stephen Lacelle, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Cycling Association. "We look forward to working with this special corporate partner and believe it will provide us with the boost needed to take our sport to new heights in the years ahead." In addition to becoming a Gold-Level Partner to Canada's National Cycling Teams, effective immediately, H&R Block will also serve as the Canadian Cycling Association's Official Tax Preparation Company. |
Creating a Lasting Legacy Downtown
VANCOUVER - Whether a long-time resident or a visitor, the next time you are walking in downtown Vancouver, take a moment to look down. An exciting discovery will literally be at your feet providing an impressive visual tour of historical and contemporary Vancouver through beautiful mosaic tiles.
For its 15th year anniversary, the Downtown Vancouver Business
Improvement Association (DVBIA) launched the mosaic public art project aimed
at beautifying downtown streetscapes.
The one-of-a-kind mosaics will be unveiled to the public for the first
time at the official opening of the Downtown Mosaic Art Tile Project on
Wednesday, April 5 at Park Place, 666 Burrard Street where they will be on
display until April 13, 2006 prior to installation in downtown sidewalks.
In partnership with the City of Vancouver and the Creating Employment
Through Art co-op (CETA), the DVBIA commissioned accomplished mosaic artists -
Liz Calvin and Bruce Walther - to spearhead the design and production of th | |
