Guelph - Volunteers, supporters, staff and local dignitaries gathered today at River Run Centre for the official launch of THE RIVER RUN TENTH, the performing arts centre’s tenth anniversary celebrations. Details of the celebrations, which will culminate in a weekend of festivities, October 4-6, were announced on the Main Stage, where so many memorable performances have captivated audiences since Opening Day, October 4, 1997.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the celebratory events at River Run Centre. Canadian Juno Award-winning soul band Jacksoul will perform with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony at THE PARTY, an evening fundraiser to support River Run programming on Thursday, October 4. The following night will feature THE CONCERT, an intimate evening with Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy and his band, The Jim Cuddy Band.

On Saturday, October 6, River Run will open its doors to the community for THE CELEBRATION. This free all-day event will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the theatre through a series of hands-on activities for the whole family. Finally, later that afternoon, THE REUNION will bring together hundreds of current and past volunteers and staff to celebrate ten years of excellence and friendship.

“The support the community has lent to River Run since it opened its doors on October 4, 1997 has been nothing short of astonishing. Our anniversary celebrations are designed to thank everyone who has contributed to our success over the past ten years, and to welcome those who have not yet had a chance to experience this great facility,” said Colleen Clack, River Run Theatre Manager. “If there’s one thing River Run knows how to do, it’s put on a show. And that’s exactly what we plan for The Tenth.”

“River Run Players” entertained the audience with an energetic performance of the top 10 reasons for our community to celebrate River Run Centre. The crowd in attendance at today’s event were invited to share their most memorable River Run experience by posting their comments in the lobby before leaving. Over the next few months, River Run will encourage members of the public to submit their favourite memories, which will be shared with the community through the Centre’s website and other media.

“This is the community’s theatre, so it’s wonderful and entirely appropriate that everyone in Guelph will have a chance to share their memories and participate in the celebrations,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators and honourary chair of The Tenth.

Will Mactaggart, chair of the River Run Centre Board of Directors, also announced that The Co-operators is the anniversary celebrations’ Diamond Sponsor. Sapphire sponsors are Blackmont Capital, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Guelph Downtown Board of Management, Guelph Tool Inc., Knar Jewellery, MacMillan Marketing Group, Reid’s Heritage Homes, and Stone Road Mall. Barzotti Woodworking Limited, Colt Reproductions, eBiz Professionals Inc. and the Guelph Chamber of Commerce are Emerald sponsors; Ampersand Printing, Synnex Canada, Woolwich Arms and Arrow Pub and Zehrs Markets are Ruby sponsors; and Syngenta is sponsoring The Jim Cuddy Band.

Tickets for the October 4 and 5 events go on sale April 20. For more information on The River Run Tenth, please visit riverrun.ca.

An Anniversary Weekend
October 4 – 6, 2007

THE PARTY · October 4
An Anniversary Fundraiser
An elegant and fun-filled evening featuring 10 entertaining stations throughout the building, exquisite cuisine and a sizzling Main Stage show with Canadian Juno Award-winning soul band Jacksoul and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.

THE CONCERT · October 5
The Jim Cuddy Band
An intimate evening with Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy, whose captivating voice and fine song writing place him among Canada’s best.

THE CELEBRATION · October 6
A Community Open House
A free all-day event featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the theatre through a series of hands-on activities for the whole family. It’s Your Turn on Stage!

THE REUNION · October 6
A Volunteer & Staff Social
Celebrating ten years of excellence and friendship.

Switzerland, Austria and Germany have the most attractive environments for developing the travel and tourism (T&T) industry, according to the very first ranking of its kind in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007, released by the World Economic Forum. Iceland, the United States, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom complete the top ten list.

more...

Overall tourism spending (resident and non-resident) was up 1.8% in the fourth quarter. Tourism demand has been on the rise since the second quarter of 2003.

Tourism registered its third consecutive year of solid growth in 2006 following a downturn in 2003 related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the war in Iraq. Tourism demand climbed 4.6%, following gains of 3.9% in 2005 and 5.2% in 2004.

Tourism spending (in current dollars) in Canada reached $66.9 billion in 2006. Canadians accounted for three-fourths of this total, a proportion that has risen from two-thirds during the late 1990s.

Tourism spending by Canadians in Canada rose last year at its fastest pace in a decade, while spending by foreign visitors fell for the second year in a row.

Tourism spending by Canadians continues upward trend

Domestic tourism spending in Canada rose 2.0% in the fourth quarter, bringing the annual gain to 7.7%, the strongest annual advance since 1997. Solid gains in personal disposable income (+6.1%), low unemployment and a healthy labour market stimulated domestic tourism.

Canadians travelling abroad also spent more in the fourth quarter, boosting the country's international travel deficit to a record $2.1 billion. A deficit indicates that Canadian travellers spend more abroad than international travellers spend in Canada. The record deficit occurred despite increased travel spending by non-residents in Canada.

The increase in Canadian travel abroad was reflected in the 3.1% hike in domestic spending on air transportation in the fourth quarter. In this release, Canadians' spending on travel with Canadian carriers is counted as spending in Canada and is thus included in domestic demand. In 2006, domestic demand for air transportation jumped 10%, the third consecutive annual double-digit gain since 2003.

As for other tourism commodities, Canadians' spending increased by 1.5% for accommodation services and 1.6% for food and beverage services in the fourth quarter. The year 2006 was a good one for accommodation services, with domestic demand up 10%, the strongest annual increase in nine years.

Increase in international tourism spending

Tourism exports were up 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2006. This occurred despite a decline in the number of international visitors to Canada, which was driven by a substantial drop in same-day travel from the United States.

The number of travellers staying more than one day was up in the fourth quarter, however, with 3.4% more American visitors and 2.3% more visitors from other countries. On average, overnight visitors stay three or four days in the country and spend eight times as much as same-day visitors.

The results for tourism exports for the quarter were mixed. Non-resident spending on air transportation (+4.8%) and accommodation (+1.0%) recorded gains, reflecting the greater number of travellers visiting for more than one day. Spending on food and beverage services (-0.2%) and on vehicle fuel (-2.4%) on the other hand was weak, reflecting fewer same-day travellers.

Tourism exports fell 3.9% in 2006, following a similar decline in 2005. Declines were widespread across spending categories. Outlays on vehicle repairs and parts and fuel, items associated with same-day visits to Canada, fell sharply. For the year as a whole, the number of same-day travellers from the United States was down 12%. This was the seventh straight year of decline, bringing the number of these travellers to half of what it was in 1999.

Tourism employment continues to grow

Tourism employment rose 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2006, pushed up mainly by job gains in food and beverage services (+0.9%) and recreation and entertainment. Employment in accommodation services and in the travel agency industry edged down.

For the year 2006 overall, tourism employment advanced 1.4%, almost three times the average pace of the previous five years (+0.5%). Half the increase came from the accommodation industry, which registered its strongest job gains (+3.0%) since 1990. Gains were recorded in all other industries, with the exception of travel agency services and rail transportation, which lost jobs.

Tourism gross domestic product outpaces overall economic growth

Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) advanced 1.9% in the fourth quarter of 2006, nearly five times the 0.4% growth in economy-wide GDP. The strength this quarter came from the transportation sector (+2.2%), due mainly to the solid performance of the airline industry. Accommodation services also posted healthy gains.

Tourism GDP grew 4.2% in 2006, the third consecutive annual increase since 2003 when it declined 2.3%. Tourism's share of economy-wide GDP was 2.1% in 2006, up from 2.0% three years earlier.

Looking ahead

According to the Business Conditions Survey for the Traveller Accommodation Industries, 73% of hotel operators expected almost the same or higher occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2007, while 27% expected them to fall.

The Canadian dollar lost ground against its US counterpart and the euro early in the quarter, making it less expensive for Americans and Europeans to shop and travel in Canada. This also made it more costly for Canadians to travel to the United States and to Europe.

Finally, implementation of the requirement for passports to enter the United States by air could adversely affect travel, in the short term at least, between Canada and the United States.

National tourism indicators
	Fourth quarter 2005	First quarter 2006	Second quarter 2006	Third quarter 2006	Fourth quarter 2006	Third to fourth quarter 2006
	millions of dollars at 1997 prices, seasonally adjusted					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada	13,847	14,024	14,220	14,371	14,636	1.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	3,559	3,488	3,541	3,449	3,500	1.5
Tourism domestic demand	10,287	10,536	10,679	10,921	11,136	2.0
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada	5,162	5,214	5,327	5,395	5,513	2.2
Tourism demand by non-residents	918	894	883	861	881	2.3
Tourism domestic demand	4,245	4,320	4,444	4,534	4,632	2.2
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada	1,934	1,967	1,989	2,004	2,030	1.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	821	808	829	803	811	1.0
Tourism domestic demand	1,114	1,158	1,160	1,201	1,220	1.5
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada	1,912	1,950	1,961	1,981	2,002	1.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	563	550	560	549	548	-0.2
Tourism domestic demand	1,349	1,400	1,401	1,432	1,454	1.6
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,360	2,399	2,412	2,428	2,456	1.2
Tourism demand by non-residents	476	465	475	457	466	1.9
Tourism domestic demand	1,883	1,934	1,937	1,970	1,990	1.0
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,479	2,495	2,530	2,563	2,634	2.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	782	771	794	779	795	2.0
Tourism domestic demand	1,697	1,724	1,736	1,784	1,840	3.1

National tourism indicators
	Fourth quarter 2005	First quarter 2006	Second quarter 2006	Third quarter 2006	Fourth quarter 2006	Third to fourth quarter 2006
	millions of dollars at current prices, seasonally adjusted					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada	16,078	16,337	16,739	16,881	16,987	0.6
Tourism demand by non-residents	4,321	4,263	4,365	4,252	4,324	1.7
Tourism domestic demand	11,758	12,073	12,374	12,630	12,663	0.3
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada	6,022	6,049	6,330	6,370	6,317	-0.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,216	1,191	1,201	1,172	1,221	4.2
Tourism domestic demand	4,806	4,858	5,129	5,198	5,096	-2.0
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada	2,431	2,502	2,568	2,588	2,621	1.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,031	1,029	1,069	1,035	1,029	-0.6
Tourism domestic demand	1,400	1,473	1,498	1,553	1,593	2.6
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada	2,363	2,429	2,458	2,486	2,528	1.7
Tourism demand by non-residents	696	685	702	687	693	0.9
Tourism domestic demand	1,667	1,744	1,755	1,799	1,835	2.0
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,678	2,718	2,740	2,771	2,807	1.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	566	557	569	550	560	1.8
Tourism domestic demand	2,111	2,161	2,170	2,221	2,247	1.2
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,586	2,639	2,645	2,667	2,714	1.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	812	801	824	808	821	1.7
Tourism domestic demand	1,773	1,838	1,821	1,859	1,893	1.8

Note to readers

Levels and shares of tourism spending are expressed in current dollars, adjusted for seasonal variations. Growth rates of tourism spending and GDP are expressed in real terms (i.e., adjusted for price changes) as well as adjusted for seasonal variations, unless otherwise indicated. Employment data are also seasonally adjusted. Associated percentage changes are presented at quarterly rates.

The University of Guelph’s Scottish studies spring colloquium March 31 will explore religion and military history.Members of the public, the media and the academic community are welcome to attend.

Four experts will discuss historical military and religious conflicts throughout the day. The event will be held at the University of Toronto’s Knox College, 59 St. George St. in Toronto.

The conference talks will begin at 1 p.m. Stuart Macdonald, a University of Toronto professor, will examine the legacy of Margaret Wilson, who was allegedly drowned in 1685 for refusing to swear loyalty to the king.

“Historical debate has raged over whether the execution ever took place, and Margaret Wilson has become a major figure for historians of 17th-century Scotland,” said Graeme Morton, U of G's Scottish Studies Foundation Chair. “Dr. Macdonald will explore Wilson’s heritage as ‘martyr, mascot or icon.’”

U of G post-doctoral researcher Karly Kehoe will examine the status of Scottish Catholics and their relationship to a national identity that was long based on Presbyterianism.

Also from Guelph’s Scottish studies program, Prof. Kevin James, a panellist for History Television’s Ancestors in the Attic will take participants behind the scenes of the fast-paced new series. On the show, James uses his expertise in Scottish and Irish history to explain the potential limits of using different kinds of archival sources.
U of G PhD student Kris Gies will discuss how the British territorial force was reformed after the Boer War and immediately prior to the First World War.

Cost of the conference is $25 general, $20 for members of the Scottish Studies Foundation. Lunch and refreshments are included.

For more information or to register, call 519-824-4120, Ext. 53209, or send e-mail to scottish@uoguelph.ca. For more details about the colloquium, visit the Scottish studies website: www.uoguelph.ca/scottish.

As the first Canadian baseball championship hosted by Guelph, this event attracted more than 300 participants, 8,000 spectators and 150 volunteers to the Larry Pearson Complex. Funded by the City of Guelph’s Special Event grant program to the tune of $40,000 over two years, the economic impact generated by the four day event was $1.4 million. Part of the surplus was invested in a permanent scoreboard for one of the secondary fields at Larry Pearson Complex, adding to its appeal and functionality for future provincial and national events.

“The success of this event has confirmed that Guelph has the facilities and the volunteer strength to host national or international baseball events,” said Sue Trerise, Senior Business Development Specialist for the Tourism Sector. “Nomination for a national award is a great tribute to the hard work and commitment made by the events’ volunteer committee,” she added.

The CSTA leverages its expertise and leadership as a catalyst to grow the $2 billion a year sport tourism industry in Canada, promoting the development of partnerships between events rights holders and host cities. The PRESITIGE Awards recognize people and organizations that have achieved excellence in this field.

What is Quebec culture becoming in times of Internet and the planet?

MONTREAL - Quebecers from all regions are invited to participate in an unprecedented forum on their culture. Following the success of the meetings on February 2 and 3, with the participation of 850 citizens throughout Quebec, people in great numbers are expected at the next debate on March 16 and 17. The theme will be What is Quebec culture becoming in times of Internet and the planet? Held simultaneously in nine cities, this second regional meeting will be followed by a national rendez-vous in Montreal on April 27 and 28.

In times of new digital technologies, iPods, cell phones and the Internet - in brief, the global village - we ask ourselves: how does all this influence Quebec culture and what are our future avenues? Is globalization threatening our culture? These are some of the important questions that will be debated this weekend at the Strategic Rendez-Vous on Culture, organized by the Institut du Nouveau Monde (INM).

The population is also invited to debate these questions on the interactive forum at INM's website (www.inm.qc.ca Rendez-vous - Forum interactif section).

The objective of INM's Strategic Rendez-Vous on Culture is to allow citizens, through dialogue with experts and practitioners, to suggest strategic choices on crucial cultural issues to public decision-makers and stakeholders from the various sectors in question. The co-presidents of the committee are Gérard Bouchard, sociologist and historian, professor in the Department of Humanities of Université du Québec à Chicoutimi and holder of the Canada Research Chair on Comparative Dynamics and Collective Imaginaries, and Céline Saint-Pierre, sociologist and President of the Board of Directors of the Fernand Dumont Chair on Culture and past President of the Conseil supérieur de l'éducation.

"The Quebec cultural landscape has greatly diversified over the last decades and this trend seems to be increasing, notably due to the Internet and other recent means of communication that allow all individuals to build their own universe of reference," states Mr. Bouchard. "The result is a great diversification of cultural life with references, methods of production and consumption that are, at times, very individualized. Do these changes reflect an enrichment or a weakening of Quebec culture? In exchange for this 'individualized' culture, is there currently an emergence of new forms of a culture shared by the majority of Quebecers?"

"In the new communication space created by globalization, a threat or a new horizon of expansion and affirmation of Quebec culture can be observed," continues Céline Saint-Pierre. "In this regard, are Quebecers waiting, defensive and withdrawn? Or are they inventive, taking initiative and showing leadership? New information and communication technologies, given their potential and versatility, can contribute to making our culture more accessible to a greater number of citizens."

INM's Strategic Rendez-Vous on Culture includes the participation of some one hundred prominent figures, such as author Dany Laferrière in Montreal, and actress Marie Gignac in Québec City. The general public is invited to come and discuss Quebec culture in their company. Together, the participants will determine the strategies required to consolidate Quebec culture and ensure its dissemination and development.

"The purpose of the Rendez-Vous is to encourage citizens to reflect on the state of Quebec culture and provide them with the opportunity to debate its future," explains Michel Venne, Executive Director of the INM. "Choices, approaches and concrete suggestions will be brought out and the INM is committed to disseminating these on a large scale, particularly to decision-makers."

VANCOUVER - The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) is calling for Vancouverites to stand up and be counted among the current silent majority that wants Vancouver to be a City that welcomes peaceful protests, that encourages the civil expression of opinions and that is safe for all citizens to get together to celebrate.

The DVBIA's call comes in reaction to recent criminal and disruptive behaviour at Olympic-related ceremonies.

"We want Vancouver, in particular downtown Vancouver, to be a beacon for citizens of all stripes to congregate peacefully," says Bill Rempel, President of the DVBIA.

"This is a right for all Vancouverites and an illustration of our tolerance and acceptance of all ideas and people." Rempel says if local citizens don't feel safe enjoying a celebration of the coming 2010 Winter Games, for example, what hope do we have staging a Games that welcomes the world.

The DVBIA believes there are lawful ways to get your message heard that are respectful of both people and property. "Vancouverites should not let the criminal behaviour of a few dampen their enthusiasm to celebrate in public," Rempel says. "In fact, we hope it encourages more people to do it more often."

The DVBIA advocates on behalf of all 8,000 businesses that own or lease property within its 90-block area and champions for a vibrant, healthy and diverse downtown. As the largest business improvement association in the province, the DVBIA is the "Voice of Downtown Business." The 90-block DVBIA area includes 2,490 properties, 884 owners, and a combined assessed property value of $5.6 billion.

Nationally, The Weather Network and MeteoMedia is available to 10.1 million households representing 99 percent of Canadian cable and satellite subscribers. Weather forecasts can be localized for up to 1,200 communities across Canada. For 15 years The Weather Network has offered winter highway and road conditions via the web and television. The success of this feature has prompted the company to develop a national, robust year-round traffic and transportation product that will enhance the quality of a driver's experience by providing vital traffic information. Through points of interest, innovative features such as golf course, route alternatives, national park locations and weather conditions reports will support superior travel intelligence. Over time these new services will be available via wireless devices in order to serve consumers at any location.

"When planning these products we looked at several different offerings in the marketplace and found that DMTI Spatial had the most comprehensive, national data available," said Pierre Morrissette, President & CEO, Pelmorex Media Inc. "By increasing the amount of local content available to users in the traffic and transportation areas, we expect significant growth in our customer base by better meeting the needs of Canadians coast to coast." CanMap(R) RouteLogistics provides an exceptional map fabric for applications deriving location intelligence to support vehicle routing, personal navigation, site selection and customer serviceability. The Enhanced Points of Interest (EPOI) file is a national database of over 1 million Canadian business and recreational points of interest.

Georgian Bay Ontario - The new virtual museum " The Georgian Bay Eco Museum " will help position Georgian Bay in the international tourism markets and build awareness for one of Canada's largest fresh water lakes. Georgian Bay is often referred to as Canada's Sixth Great Lake. The Eco Museum icon will represent a functioning and thriving ecosystem, an ecosystem that is diverse, essential, accessible, vital to the future of Ontario and the Great Lakes. This is the only Great Lake that has two internationally recognized United Nations designated Biosphere Reserves. Georgian Bay is 100% Canadian and it needs to be recognized internationally as unique and standing on its own. The icon will help position Ontario and Canada to defend the Georgian Bay water resource and capture the emerging eco tourism market. (See editors' note)

The Georgian Bay Eco Museum team continues to assemble a virtual website representing Georgian Bay and the watersheds that feed into the Bay. It brings together a collection of resources that present a cohesive image of an ecological region around the Georgian Bay area.

"This is an icon that can be embraced by the many stakeholders in the Georgian Bay region as well as those in the watersheds that feed into the Bay. The Tourism Industry is the bread and butter of Georgian Bay, and we need to be aware of the threats to the water resource while at the same time tell the Georgian Bay story to the world." said Ron Taylor, publisher of the website.

In addition to the two Biosphere Reserves there are several national parks, numerous provincial parks, municipal parks and protected wetland areas. "I don't know of another freshwater body of water with as many designated protected areas," Taylor added.

Georgian Bay and the watersheds are well positioned to capture the emerging eco tour market. Despite the existing protected areas the Bay is fragile as are the watersheds feeding into the Bay. Georgian Bay needs to be recognized as the most important lake in Ontario. The Bay needs to gain the necessary support to maintain a healthy ecosystem and build back the water levels before wetlands begin to disappear and aquatic life is affected.

The concept for a Georgian Bay Eco Museum, was first identified by Taylor's, son, Jason, now Director of Education at the Ecological Society of America in Washington D.C. He grew up in Barrie and worked along the Bay as a volunteer at the Wye Marsh, and as an on-site naturalist at Delawana Inn Resort. He also provided nature interpretation at several of the provincial and national parks along Georgian Bay.

Robin Tapley, one of Ontario's foremost naturalists and Georgian Bay enthusiasts will be instrumental in developing ecotours and guiding trips around Georgian Bay.

Tapley operates Tapley's Nature Trails and provides guided tours, nature talks, and consulting services throughout Canada, South America and Antarctica. He has conducted numerous guided trips along Georgian Bay, and is planning a spring guided Zodiac trip through the north side of the 30,000 Islands. In addition to running Tapley's Nature Trails from his location in Dwight near Huntsville and his sail boat in Penetanguishene on Georgian Bay, Tapley is working on a book that will review many of the watersheds throughout the world.

"I keep my sailboat in Penetanguishene and feel that this new icon will create a long term vision of what we want Georgian Bay to be like 100 years from now---a recognizable icon for "freshest" and "cleanest" water in a vibrant and healthy ecosystem," Tapley said.

Visitors to the web site www.georgianbayecomuseum.com can find information on conservation, recreation, area accommodation, eco tours, boating, Georgian Bay history and much more.

Georgian Bay -The new virtual museum "The Georgian Bay Eco Museum" will help position Georgian Bay in the international tourism markets and build awareness for one of Canada's largest fresh water lakes. Georgian Bay is often referred to as Canada's Sixth Great Lake. The Eco Museum icon will represent a functioning and thriving ecosystem, an ecosystem that is diverse, essential, accessible, vital to the future of Ontario and the Great Lakes. This is the only Great Lake that has two internationally recognized United Nations designated Biosphere Reserves. Georgian Bay is 100% Canadian and it needs to be recognized internationally as unique and standing on its own. The icon will help position Ontario and Canada to defend the Georgian Bay water resource and capture the emerging eco tourism market. (See editors' note)

The Georgian Bay Eco Museum team continues to assemble a virtual website representing Georgian Bay and the watersheds that feed into the Bay. It brings together a collection of resources that present a cohesive image of an ecological region around the Georgian Bay area.

"This is an icon that can be embraced by the many stakeholders in the Georgian Bay region as well as those in the watersheds that feed into the Bay. The Tourism Industry is the bread and butter of Georgian Bay, and we need to be aware of the threats to the water resource while at the same time tell the Georgian Bay story to the world." said Ron Taylor, publisher of the website.

In addition to the two Biosphere Reserves there are several national parks, numerous provincial parks, municipal parks and protected wetland areas. "I don't know of another freshwater body of water with as many designated protected areas," Taylor added.

Georgian Bay and the watersheds are well positioned to capture the emerging eco tour market. Despite the existing protected areas the Bay is fragile as are the watersheds feeding into the Bay. Georgian Bay needs to be recognized as the most important lake in Ontario. The Bay needs to gain the necessary support to maintain a healthy ecosystem and build back the water levels before wetlands begin to disappear and aquatic life is affected.

The concept for a Georgian Bay Eco Museum, was first identified by Taylor's, son, Jason, now Director of Education at the Ecological Society of America in Washington D.C. He grew up in Barrie and worked along the Bay as a volunteer at the Wye Marsh, and as an on-site naturalist at Delawana Inn Resort. He also provided nature interpretation at several of the provincial and national parks along Georgian Bay.

Robin Tapley, one of Ontario's foremost naturalists and Georgian Bay enthusiasts will be instrumental in developing ecotours and guiding trips around Georgian Bay.

Tapley operates Tapley's Nature Trails and provides guided tours, nature talks, and consulting services throughout Canada, South America and Antarctica. He has conducted numerous guided trips along Georgian Bay, and is planning a spring guided Zodiac trip through the north side of the 30,000 Islands. In addition to running Tapley's Nature Trails from his location in Dwight near Huntsville and his sail boat in Penetanguishene on Georgian Bay, Tapley is working on a book that will review many of the watersheds throughout the world.

"I keep my sailboat in Penetanguishene and feel that this new icon will create a long term vision of what we want Georgian Bay to be like 100 years from now---a recognizable icon for "freshest" and "cleanest" water in a vibrant and healthy ecosystem," Tapley said.

Visitors to the web site www.georgianbayecomuseum.com can find information on conservation, recreation, area accommodation, eco tours, boating, Georgian Bay history and much more.

MISSISSAUGA - Whether you're planning to ski in Whistler or cruise the Caribbean, having fun on your next vacation is a top priority. Here are a few tips.

1. If you are vacationing outside of Canada, make sure your passport is current and you have your tickets, documents and identification with you when you arrive at the airport. Many countries will not permit entry if your passport will expire several months beyond your date of arrival, so make sure you obtain a new passport before leaving home if there is any possibility that your passport will expire while you travel. Also, don't forget that, as of January 23, 2007, Canadians need a passport when flying to the United States. For crossing the Canada-U.S. border by land and sea, Canadians can continue to use their birth certificates and driver's licence.

2. Don't leave your province or territory of residence without medical insurance, as you may not have as much coverage as you think. Medical treatment can be very expensive - even if you are travelling within Canada - and your government health insurance plan usually covers only a limited part of these costs. Make sure to carry proof of travel insurance with you, along with the travel insurance company's name and phone number. Leave a copy of this information at home with family or friends, as well.

3. Travel arrangements are often non-refundable so don't risk losing your entire travel investment should something unexpected happen. Purchasing cancellation and interruption insurance can help protect your investment in case you have to cancel your trip, come home early, or stay longer at your destination.

4. Increased security at airports has led to longer waiting times for travellers. Go early to give yourself plenty of time to make your flight. Don't leave your luggage unattended in public areas and don't accept packages from strangers.

5. Keep credit cards, travellers' cheques, passports and other identification in different places. Make two copies of the identification page of your passport. Carry one copy with you, separate from your passport, and leave one with family or friends at home. You can also e-mail yourself this information so that if you do lose your documents you can log into your e-mail and get the relevant information.

6. Use pockets or purses only for items you will need frequently. Otherwise, use a money belt or take advantage of hotel safety deposit boxes to store important documents and additional cash, so if your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, you won't be left without identification or money. If you lose your passport, immediately call the nearest embassy or consulate and contact the local authorities.

7. Make sure you're up to date on all your immunizations. Contact your doctor or a travel medicine clinic well in advance of your trip to see if you need any specific medication or immunizations. Health Canada provides a list of travel clinics across Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/travel/clinic_e.html.

8. Check to see if any travel advisories or warnings have been issued for your destination. This information can be obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at 1-800-267-8376 or www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

9. Eat fruits and vegetables that have been freshly peeled or cooked and other foods that have been well cooked. Drink bottled beverages, or hot beverages such as coffee or tea, and avoid ice that isn't made with purified water. Don't underestimate the importance of good personal hygiene - wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

10. Tell your neighbours you're going on vacation. It helps if they can pick up your mail, park a car in your driveway and even shovel snow. Just don't forget to return the favour when it's time for their vacation!

Third-quarter travel from the United States fell for the second consecutive year. It was also the sixth consecutive quarter in which travel from the United States recorded a year-over-year decrease.

In addition, the number of overnight trips from overseas declined between July and September, with 6 of Canada's top 10 overseas markets, including Japan and the United Kingdom, recording declines.

In total, visitors from the United States and overseas took just under 7.5 million overnight trips to Canada in the third quarter of 2006, an overall decline of 4.2% compared to the same period in 2005.

Outward bound, however, it was a different story. More Canadians travelled to the United States, and Canadian travel to overseas countries kept up its record pace.

Canadian residents took 6.8 million overnight trips to the United States and overseas countries, up 8.2% from the third quarter of 2005. They spent $4.9 billion, up 8.5%.

Declines in both trips and spending by Americans in Canada

American residents took 5.8 million overnight trips to Canada between July and September last year, down 5.3% from the third quarter of 2005. These visitors spent just over $3.1 billion, a 3.4% decline.

Both overnight automobile and plane travel by Americans fell. The number of car trips declined 7.0%, while the number of plane trips was down 1.8%. Car travel accounted for the majority (61.6%) of overnight travel from the United States.

Pleasure travel, which accounted for two-thirds of all American overnight travel, dropped 2.3%. Overnight travel for business dropped 2.1%, while there was a 10.5% decline in overnight travel to visit friends and relatives.

Overall, 7 of the top 10 American states of origin recorded declines in overnight travel to Canada compared to the third quarter of 2005, including the top three: New York State, Michigan and Washington.

Residents of New York State made just over 700,000 overnight trips to Canada, down 10.2%. Travel from Michigan fell 12.2%, and it was down 6.0% from Washington State.

However, the largest decline in overnight travel among the top 10 states of origin was from Minnesota (-23.0%). The biggest gain was in travel from California (+20.3%).

Fewer visitors from overseas

Travel to Canada from overseas countries edged down in the third quarter of 2006. Overseas residents took about 1.7 million overnight trips to Canada, down 0.5% from the same period in 2005.

The United Kingdom continued to lead the list of Canada's top overseas markets. United Kingdom residents took about 333,000 overnight trips to Canada in the third quarter of 2006, down 5.9%. This decline coincided with the travel alert at London's Heathrow Airport in August 2006 that subsequently resulted in restrictions of non-essential liquid carry-on items.

Overall, 6 of the top 10 overseas markets recorded declines in overnight travel to Canada, with Japan posting the largest decline (-9.8%). In contrast, overnight trips from China surged 37.0%, the biggest gain. This increase coincided with the introduction of additional direct flights between Toronto and the cities of Beijing and Shanghai.

Overseas tourists spent $2.3 billion in Canada between July and September, down 2.9% from the same three months in 2005.

Top 10 overseas countries of origin for travellers to Canada1
	Third quarter 2005r	Third quarter 2006p	Third quarter 2005 to third quarter 2006
	Overnight trips (thousands)		% change
United Kingdom	354	333	-5.9
France	162	163	0.8
Germany	153	139	-8.7
Japan	145	131	-9.8
Mexico	74	80	8.2
South Korea	67	71	6.8
Australia	67	64	-5.5
Netherlands	57	56	-3.0
China	41	56	37.0
Switzerland	48	44	-7.7
1. Might include other countries.

Canadians keep heading overseas in record numbers

Canadians set another record for travel to overseas countries between July and September last year.

In total, they took a record 1.6 million overnight trips to nations other than the United States, up 9.0% from the previous high in the third quarter of 2005.

Europe continued to be one of the most popular destinations, accounting for 7 of the top 10 countries overseas that Canadians visited. Topping the list again were the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy.

Overall, Canadian travellers spent an estimated $2.6 billion on overseas trips in the third quarter, up 6.1% from the same three months of 2005.

The value of the Canadian dollar continued to rise and was stronger against the euro, the Japanese yen and the British pound in the third quarter of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005.

Canadian travel to the United States rises with the dollar

Canadian travel to the United States increased with the loonie between July and September last year.

Canadians made nearly 5.2 million overnight trips to the United States during these three months, up 7.9% from the same period in 2005. The loonie was worth 89.2 US cents in the third quarter of 2006, up 7.2% from the third quarter of 2005.

Canadian residents spent almost $2.3 billion on overnight trips to the United States in the third quarter of 2006, up 11.3%. About 7 of every 10 overnight trips Canadians made to the United States were by automobile.

Combined, the three border states of New York, Washington and Michigan hosted 2.2 million Canadian overnight visitors between July and September last year.

New York State was the most popular destination for Canadian residents during the third quarter, with 1.0 million overnight visits. They spent more than $250 million during these visits.

Washington was the second most popular visited state, with 700,000 overnight visits. California was second in terms of Canadian spending on overnight visits, amounting to $192 million.

Travel to the United States rose in every trip purpose category. Canadians took 3.2 million pleasure trips to the United States in the third quarter of 2006, up 13.4%.

Travel by both car (+9.0%) and air (+8.3%) jumped noticeably. However, car travel was the most popular mode, as Canadians made almost 3.6 million overnight auto trips to the United States.

The burgeoning deficit was the result of record spending abroad. Canadian residents spent an estimated $23.6 billion outside the country in 2006, up 6.2% from the previous high in 2005.

Foreigners in Canada spent an estimated $16.4 billion in 2006, a slight decline from the previous year.

While there has been little movement in foreign spending in Canada compared to 2001, Canadian spending abroad has gone up 27.9%.

Travel deficit with the United States highest in 13 years

Canada's travel deficit with the United States climbed to $4.5 billion in 2006, the highest since the early 1990s when record deficits flirted with the $6.0-billion mark. In contrast, the travel deficit with the United States was as low as $544 million in 2002.

The increase in the deficit, estimated at $1.0 billion, was the result of higher spending by Canadians in the United States and lower spending by residents of the United States in Canada.

Canadian travellers spent a record $13.2 billion in the United States in 2006, up 6.3% from the previous year. Increased travel south of the border contributed to the higher spending, as Canadians took 16.0 million overnight trips to the United States in 2006, 7.6% more than the previous year and the highest level since 1993.

Meanwhile, travellers from the United States spent 2.9% less in Canada in 2006 than in 2005. Spending by United States residents in Canada slipped to $8.7 billion, its lowest level since 1998. Americans took 13.8 million overnight trips to Canada, 4.3% less than the previous year and the lowest level since 1997.

Another likely contributor to the drop in spending by American travellers is the prolonged slide in the number of same-day car trips from the United States. Same-day car travel from the United States fell for the seventh consecutive year in 2006, down 12.5% to a record low of 13.7 million trips. Although spending on these trips represent only about one-ninth of total spending by American travellers in Canada, the drop in travel was significant enough to have an impact.

The Canadian dollar averaged 88.2 US cents in 2006, up 6.8% from the previous year and the highest level since the late 1970s.

Travel deficit with overseas countries hits record high

Canada's travel deficit with overseas countries climbed to a record $2.8 billion in 2006, an estimated $368 million increase over the previous year. The rise in the deficit, the sixth consecutive of its kind, was attributable to higher spending by Canadian residents overseas, which climbed 6.2% to $10.4 billion.

Over the past 25 years, spending by Canadians overseas has fallen only once, in 1991. This trend in spending is likely the result of an increased desire by Canadians to visit overseas destinations, as travel overseas has also steadily edged up since the early 1980s. In 2006, Canadians made 6.7 million overnight trips overseas, 8.0% more than in 2005.

Travellers from overseas countries spent $7.7 billion in Canada in 2006, 3.2% more than the previous year. Residents of overseas countries made 4.4 million overnight trips to Canada, up 0.7% and the highest level in six years.

The Canadian dollar edged up against other major international currencies in 2006, including the euro, the British pound sterling and the Japanese yen.

Fourth quarter: Travel deficit highest ever

On a quarterly basis, the international travel deficit climbed to $2.1 billion in the fourth quarter, topping the $2.0-billion mark for the first time ever.

The increase in the deficit occurred despite higher travel spending in Canada. Foreigners spent $4.2 billion in Canada, 1.4% more than the previous quarter. However, a jump in spending by Canadians abroad more than offset this increase, as Canadian travellers spent $6.2 billion in the fourth quarter, up 3.7% from the previous quarter.

The travel deficit with the United States remained fairly stable in the fourth quarter, edging up only $34 million to $1.2 billion. Despite the small increase, the deficit climbed to a 13-year high.

Travel spending by visitors from the United States in Canada climbed to $2.2 billion, up 0.4% from the previous quarter. The increase in spending was fuelled by a 1.3% gain in overnight travel from the United States, which reached 3.4 million.

Spending by Canadians travelling to the United States reached $3.4 billion, up 1.3%. The higher spending was the result of a similar increase in overnight travel south of the border, which climbed 1.2% to 4.1 million trips.

There was more movement in the travel deficit with overseas countries. It reached a record $819 million, up $132 million from the third quarter. The unmatched deficit was the result of record spending overseas, whose increase more than offset the rise in spending by residents of overseas countries in Canada.

Spending by travellers from overseas countries climbed to $2.0 billion, 2.5% more than the previous quarter. Higher spending by travellers from overseas countries was the result of increased overnight travel to Canada, which climbed 2.2% to 1.1 million trips.

Meanwhile, Canadians spent a record $2.8 billion in overseas countries, up 6.9% from the previous quarter. Record spending overseas is not surprising, as travel by Canadian residents overseas reached unprecedented levels in the fourth quarter, up 4.6% to 1.8 million trips.

The Canadian dollar fell against other major international currencies in the fourth quarter of 2006, including the US dollar, the euro, the British pound and the Japanese yen.

International travel account receipts and payments
	First quarter 2006r	Second quarter 2006r	Third quarter 2006r	Fourth quarter 2006p	2005r	2006p	Third to fourth quarter 2006	2005 to 2006
	Seasonally adjusted1
	$ millions						% change
United States
Receipts	2,149	2,256	2,163	2,172	9,003	8,739	0.4	-2.9
Payments	3,242	3,175	3,368	3,411	12,417	13,197	1.3	6.3
Balance	-1,093	-919	-1,206	-1,239	-3,414	-4,457	...	...
All other countries
Receipts	1,868	1,914	1,932	1,981	7,457	7,695	2.5	3.2
Payments	2,482	2,548	2,620	2,800	9,843	10,449	6.9	6.2
Balance	-614	-633	-687	-819	-2,386	-2,754	...	...
Total
Receipts	4,017	4,170	4,095	4,152	16,460	16,434	1.4	-0.2
Payments	5,724	5,723	5,988	6,211	22,260	23,646	3.7	6.2
Balance	-1,707	-1,553	-1,893	-2,058	-5,800	-7,211	...	...
r revised p preliminary ... not applicable 1. Data may not add to totals due to rounding.

Note to readers

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

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

Overseas countries are those other than the United States.

Residents of the United States took an estimated 1.1 million same-day car trips to Canada in December, up 2.5% from November. This was the second consecutive monthly increase. (Unless otherwise specified, monthly data are seasonally adjusted.)

However, for 2006 as a whole, the number of same-day car trips from the United States fell 12.5% to 13.7 million, the lowest level since record-keeping started in 1972. Same-day car travel reached a high of 27.3 million trips in 1999.

American travellers made 1.2 million overnight trips to Canada in December, a 2.9% jump from November and the highest level since June. Overnight travel by car, plane and other means of transportation all posted figures higher than the previous month.

Travel from overseas countries reached its highest monthly level in over two years in December, a 2.5% gain to 389,000. Travel from the United Kingdom, Canada's most important overseas market, increased slightly to 74,000. Among the top 12 markets, only Japan recorded a decline in travel to Canada (-3.7%), while travel from Taiwan soared 36.0%.

In the opposite direction, travel to overseas countries by Canadian residents reached unprecedented levels in December, up 2.0% to 597,000 trips. Annually, the number of trips by Canadians to non-US destinations has risen in 14 of the last 15 years (2002 being the exception).

For 2006 as a whole, Canadians made a record 6.7 million trips overseas, up 8.0% from 2005.

Travel to the United States also increased compared to November, as the gain in same-day car travel more than offset the drop in overnight travel south of the border. Canadians took over 2.0 million same-day car trips to the United States, up 2.8% from November and the highest monthly figure in over five years.

However, overnight travel to the United States slipped, with Canadian tourists taking 1.4 million trips south of the border, down 1.2% from the 13-year high observed in November. Overnight travel by car decreased 2.1% while travel by plane edged up 0.7%.

The Canadian dollar fell for the third consecutive month in December, slipping 1.5% to 86.7 US cents. It also declined compared to other major international currencies, such as the British pound sterling, the euro and the Japanese yen.

Danielle Day and her family spent Tuesday night in the regal dwelling place -- the world's most exclusive resort, with only one room available and no reservations accepted -- through the Disney Dreams Giveaway, which awards extra-special dreams through a totally random process. Now, nearly every night for the remainder of 2007, other eligible lucky guests will win a similar stay.

The Day family was honoured in a special ceremony, dined at Cinderella's Royal Table restaurant, and bed down for the night amid the splendour of Cinderella Castle Suite some four stories above the surrounding Magic Kingdom -- a salon, bedchamber and bathroom off of a private marble-floored foyer, all replete with rich details. The Suite was created from unused space within the Magic Kingdom landmark once envisioned as in-park living quarters for members of the Disney family.

Danielle and her family were on their first ever trip to WDW when they were approached by the Disney Dream Squad and awarded their prize that was randomly determined by the Disney Dreams Giveaway computer to award the Cinderella Castle Suite.

“It was the first day of our first family trip to Disney. We were on the first attraction and it was within the first hour that we were selected to stay the night in the Cinderella Castle Suite! We were treated like royalty," explained Danielle Day. "We called our friends and family from the suite that night and said, ‘We are the only guests inside the Magic Kingdom! When we wake up tomorrow we will already be inside the Magic Kingdom: nobody else can say that except for us!”

For the first time, Disney is awarding more than a million Disney dreams large and small -- including many money-can't-buy experiences such as a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite -- to eligible guests and mail-in participants selected through a random process as part of the unique Disney Dreams Giveaway. During the celebration that continues throughout 2007, guests will be recipients of Disney dreams such as unique Disney vacation experiences, admission to special events in the Disneyland and Walt Disney World parks, a Dream FASTPASS badge to enjoy some of Disney's most popular attractions, exclusive pin and lanyard sets, and travelling to each Disney resort around the world to serve as grand marshal in a Disney parade.

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

The travel arrangement services industry, which is composed primarily of two industries (tour operating and travel agency industries), saw 10.5% growth in operating revenues over 2004, which were offset by an 11.1% increase in operating expenses. The overall outcome was a moderate weakening in the industry's operating profits with businesses posting a 2.0% before-tax operating profit margin, compared with 2.6% in 2004.

The International Travel Survey indicated that Canadians spent nearly $19.0 billion on overnight trips abroad in 2005; an 8.5% increase over the previous year. Canadians made nearly 21.1 million overnight trips abroad, making it the highest year on record since 1992 and the third highest ever for travel outside the country. About 9 out of every 10 dollars earned by travel arrangers came from sales to clients travelling outside the country.

The tour operator industry continued to be the largest of the travel arrangement services industries and accounted for about four-fifths of total operating revenues in 2005. Canadian tour operators earned $7.0 billion in operating revenues in 2005; an increase of 11.6% over the previous year. At the same time, operating expenses for tour operators have increased by 12.2% to $6.9 billion, keeping profit margins for this industry relatively thin (1.1%).

The largest revenue source of the tour operating industry came from sales of tour packages, either directly to clients or to travel retailers (61%). Transportation fares ranked as the second most important revenue source (28%).

In terms of revenue growth, the travel agency industry experienced a record year in 2005 with a 6.1% year-over-year increase, as travel agencies generated $1.6 billion in operating revenues. However, before-tax operating profit margins decreased slightly to 5.2%; down from 5.8% in 2004, as operating expenses grew by 6.7%.

Travel agencies drew 61% of their revenue from selling travel services and products to individuals or households for leisure purposes. Sales to business or government travellers accounted for 35% of revenue. In comparison, 83% of revenue for tour operators came from sales to leisure travellers.

In 2005, travel agencies continued to rely heavily on commissions charged from suppliers. Over a third (35%) of total revenue for this industry came from selling and reserving transportation fares. Commissions obtained for selling tour packages (27%) followed in relative importance.