MONTREAL - The 39th Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) concluded Sunday night after welcoming 206 207 visitors over a period of 10 days, from January 19th to 28th. The 2007 Auto Show was a resounding success and visitors were given a very colourful show. The 7th Heaven, a segment which presented exotic cars and humorist Michel Barrette's personal collection of vintage cars, sparked a lot of interest from visitors. According to preliminary results from the survey conducted by Léger Marketing, visitors said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the Show in general and extremely impressed by the Show's new visitors' circuit.

Pleased with this 39th edition, Show President, Mr. Jean-François Brault proudly commented "This was an exceptional year! We had no less than 50 unveilings consisting of one WORLD premiere, 42 Canadian premieres, 3 concept vehicles, 3 regional unveilings and 1 prototype, and lets not forget the presentation of the award-winning vehicles from the 2007 Fuel Consumption Guide (Energuide)."

In addition, during the Press day held on January 18th, CAA Canada presented the 2007 Pyramid Award for Environmental Initiatives as well as the 2007 Pyramid Award of Recognition. "These award presentations coincide with our wish to constantly enrich the On Route to a Greener Future segment" indicated Mr. Brault.

A $265,580 Donation to Five Worthy Causes

During the Montreal International Auto Show Charity Preview evening, the Show raised $265,580 to benefit the Sacré-Coeur de Montréal Hospital Fondation, the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Fondation, the Sainte-Justine Hospital Foundation, the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). This evening, held on January 18, 2007 in a relaxed atmosphere, was a complete success! For three years now, the Montreal International Auto Show Charity Preview has raised over $731,500 for various foundations of the Greater Montreal's health care community.

Auto Show Blood Drive: a real success

Surpassing their objective, the Montreal International Auto Show's annual blood drive, held from January 22 to 26, helped HEMA-QUEBEC collect over 800 gifts of life. Each donor received one free ticket to visit the 2007 Auto Show. During the second day, many personalities from CFCF-CTV came to encourage donors. Show organizers wish to thank all visitors for their priceless gift of life! The 2007 Montreal International Auto Show, organised by the Montreal Automobile Dealers Corporation (MADC), was presented by the Laurentian Bank, in collaboration with The Gazette.

Leadership position is one of the first in the tourism industry

TORONTO - Effective January 23rd, a new law created by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all Canadians to have a valid passport to enter the United States by air travel. Since its announcement, this passport mandate has been the topic of much debate by the Canadian travel industry, but to date, few organizations have seized upon this challenge as an opportunity to help to educate Canadians about passport requirements.

Go to Canadian Foreign Affairs information on Passports

The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in Southern California are the first major U.S. tourist destinations to address the new passport requirements with the creation of Disney's "Passport to Dreams" booklet - an added incentive for Canadians to visit in 2007.

Disney worked closely with Passport Canada to create the booklet which is filled with relevant information that Canadians need to help them get a passport. Specific items of interest in the "Passport to Dreams" booklet include: <<

- Clarification on how/where to obtain Canadian Passport application forms
- What you need to know about passport photos
- Ease of online application.

"The Canadian market is very important to Disney Parks and we strongly believe that dream vacations should not be put on hold or be interrupted by these new requirements. That is why Disney is rolling out the welcome mat to the Canada market with the Passport to Dreams Program which will help to clear up passport confusion and provide some very special offers to visit this year during The Year of a Million Dreams Celebration," said Bruno Jauernig, Director, Marketing Strategy, (US & Canada), Walt Disney World.

The "Year of a Million Dreams" - a first of its kind celebration - will grant more than 1 million very special dreams to guests visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. These will range from a Dream FASTPASS to jump to the front of the line all day, to a trip around the world as a Disney parade Grand Marshall, to a night's stay in Cinderella Castle...and many more surprises. The celebration will also highlight the debut of innovative Disney attractions and entertainment spectaculars at both parks.

"Our cast has been empowered to create tens of millions of Magical Moments - personal interactions and special experiences that money can't buy," added Jauernig. "With the strong Canadian dollar, Disney's Passport to Dreams program and The Year of a Million Dreams celebration, 2007 is a great year to get your passport and visit Disney Parks".

Also during the Year of a Million Dreams celebration, Canadian residents can enter "Disney's Vacation of Your Dreams Sweepstakes" for a chance to win a magical Disney Parks vacation. Canadian residents have a chance to win a 7-night dream-come-true vacation that includes an overnight stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and an overnight stay in the Mickey Mouse Penthouse in the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort in Southern California. Canadian residents may also enter by mail. Canadian residents can log on to www.disneyparks.ca for more information, to enter the Sweepstakes and for Official Rules.

In addition to helpful information for obtaining a passport, Disney's "Passport to Dreams" also includes tremendous special offers and packages for Canadians visiting Walt Disney World such as a US$561/adult for a 6-night/7- day Package (April 15 through June 2, 2007)(*); and 'Everyone Plays for the Kid's Price' at the Disneyland Resort (January 3 through April 26, 2007) when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. Savings are available on hotel and theme park ticket packages, airfare and even on passport photos.

Disney's "Passport to Dreams" booklets are available online at www.disneyparks.ca or available across Canada at CAA locations.


Go to Canadian Foreign Affairs information on Passports

Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies have inspired the Guelph Studio Tour artists and artisans, The Royal City Calligraphy Guild and the Guelph Civic Museum to produce a visual feast in honour of Shakespeare: Made in Canada being held throughout Guelph and Wellington County from January until May of 2007. The grand opening of the exhibits will be held February 9, 2007 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Guelph Civic Museum at 6 Dublin St South.

The Royal City Calligraphy Guild presents “Much Ado About Lettering: Shakespeare & the Calligraphic Arts.” Founded in 1985, the Guelph Guild has tripled in size and now has 50 members. Art pieces in the exhibit will include cards, collages, boxes and books. Origami, stamping and lettering on fabric will also be highlighted as well as illuminations and illustrations. The Guild has worked on two group projects which include a paper quilt of Shakespeare quotes and individual envelopes addressed to favourite Shakespeare characters. The exhibit opens February 9 and runs until April 29, 2007.

Guelph Civic Museum presents “As You Like It: A History of Shakespeare Performances in Guelph.” The exhibit looks at theatrical and musical performances held over the last hundred years at the Royal Opera House, Guelph Little Theatre, high schools and River Run Centre. Groups participating include Guelph Little Theatre, Royal City Musical Productions Inc., Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute, Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, Theatre Guelph, Touchmark Theatre, Guelph Symphony Orchestra and the Guelph Youth Singers. The exhibit opens February 9 and runs until April 29, 2007.

The Guelph Studio Tour presents “What We Will: A Tribute to Shakespeare.” Art work in the exhibit will include paintings, wood, furniture, mixed media, textiles, stained glass, sculpture and jewellery by sixteen different Guelph Artists. The exhibit will run from February 9 until June 24, 2007.

Guelph Civic Museum is located at 6 Dublin St. S. Museum hours: daily from 1-5 p.m. Regular Admission: Adults- $4.00, Seniors, Students and Children - $3.00, Families $10.00. Please contact Guelph Museums at 836-1221, ext. 224 for more information.

- Company Names Matthew Sparks Senior Vice President, Development for The Americas as it Embarks on Aggressive Growth Plan in 2007 -

TORONTO - Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) today announced a key addition to its senior management team designed to support and further strengthen the company's position as a global leader in the hotel marketplace.

With a strong mandate to accelerate portfolio growth, Matthew Sparks has been appointed senior vice president, development, The Americas. As the latest addition to FRHI's development team, which in 2007 will add additional resources in a new geographical structure, Sparks' primary focus will be on brand expansion and increased penetration for the company's two luxury hotel brands, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

"With the recent integration of Fairmont and Raffles now complete, we can focus our full attention on the fundamental goal of growing our portfolio," said Tom Storey, executive vice president, development, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. "Adding a seasoned professional like Matt provides us with the leadership we are looking for to support our growth objectives in The Americas."

With more than 15 years of experience in hotel real estate and development, Sparks has been serving in a consultancy capacity for Fairmont since early 2005. Prior to this, he held the role of vice president of development and acquisitions for Wyndham International where he was responsible for business development, company acquisitions and real estate development and divestment for the company. He also served as vice president of acquisitions and development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide from 1999 to 2002. During his career, Sparks has also held development positions with Marriott, Lodgian, and Westin.

Sparks, who will direct a group of experienced development professionals, will look to advance FRHI's growth strategy which saw the company sign a significant number of new management contracts last year, including Fairmont projects in Tamarack, Idaho, and Monterey, California, both scheduled to open in 2009, a Raffles and Fairmont hotel on the Cotai Strip in Macau (2010) and a Swissotel in Foshan, China (2008).

Big Splash to open 4 new giant water slides

Kitchener — Bingemans, owner and operator of Bingemans Big Splash, the largest water park in southwestern Ontario, announces a major expansion in time for the summer season.

As they “splashdown to summer,” Bingemans is building not one, not two, not three, but four new giant water slides, which will give kids of all ages more high-speed thrills than ever before.

The Cyclone is a high-octane ride sure to get the adrenaline flowing! The rider hurtles down an enclosed AquaTube and then explodes into the open air bowl. Powered by centrifugal force, the rider circles round and round until the laws of gravity rule and the rider drops into the splashdown pool below.

Torpedo Bay pits three friends in a slippery, watery race to the finish line as each bombs through a separate AquaTube slide towards a wild, splashy finish. Who will win? No one knows, since each of the three slides in the Torpedo Bay complex takes a unique course of curves and spirals before the drop-off.

Look at PDF of elevation

“Our newest slides are the same as those drawing huge crowds at world-class international water parks. They are guaranteed to seriously increase the fun quotient at Big Splash,” says Bingemans General Manager Mark Bingeman.

Torpedo Bay and The Cyclone join Bingemans Big Splash’s many other slides — which include speed slides, twister slides and the pipe — plus a wave pool, Spray ‘n’ Play, to provide major summer amusement for families from miles around.

“We are excited to see the first ski charter take flight,” said Manager of Airport Development, Jeff Schelling. “With the sun charter season in full swing, the addition of ski holidays is a real complement to the existing services offered here at YKF.”

Ultimate Ski Vacation Packages will be available from YKF through March 25, 2007 and start at $840 CDN plus GST, per person based on double occupancy and include: round trip airfare from Waterloo Region to Tremblant, three nights accommodation in a slope side studio at Les Suites Tremblant, round trip airport transfers in Trembant, two-day lift tickets, baggage handling and all taxes and fees (except GST).

“We’re thrilled to be offering direct flights from Waterloo Region to Tremblant this season, and the timing couldn’t be better. Mont Tremblant has received 9 inches of fresh snow in the past week and currently offers the most open terrain in Quebec,” said Ron Dawick, President of Ultimate Travel Group. “Thanks to this natural snowfall and the resort’s tremendous snowmaking capabilities, Tremblant is planning to have 81 trails open this weekend, which is fantastic news for our clients flying out of YKF today.”

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

Take the hassle out of your vacation and choose your local alternative! YKF is easy to navigate with modern amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, car rentals and complimentary baggage carts. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient and friendly air service.

Choose Ultimate Ski Vacations by contacting your local travel agent, visiting www.ultimateski.ca or calling 1-800-465-3034 to book your hassle-free trip through YKF today!

Same-day car travel from the United States, which had fallen every month since April, increased 1.5% to an estimated 1.1 million trips. (Unless otherwise specified, monthly data are seasonally adjusted.)

However, American travellers took fewer overnight trips (-0.6% to 1.1 million). While overnight car travel from the United States remained unchanged in November compared to October, the number of overnight trips by plane decreased 0.3%. Travel by other modes of transportation fell 4.2%.

Still, overall travel from the United States edged up 0.6% to 2.3 million trips after posting the lowest level on record in October.

Travel from overseas countries climbed to its highest level since March, up 2.1% to 379,000. The increase came despite a 0.8% drop in the number of trips from Canada's largest overseas market, the United Kingdom, which slipped to 75,000. Among Canada's top-12 most important overseas markets, the largest gains were observed in travel from South Korea (+9.5%) and India (+8.2%).

In the opposite direction, record travel to overseas countries and increases in both same-day and overnight travel to the United States pushed travel abroad to its highest level since January 2001.

Increased travel overseas has been the trend in 2006, with the previous 10 months being the highest since record keeping started in 1972. Canadians took 584,000 trips overseas in November, up 1.3% from October.

Same-day car travel to the United States climbed to a six-month high in November, up 3.1% to 2.0 million trips.

Canadians also took 1.4 million overnight trips to the United States, up 3.7% from October and the highest level in over 13 years. Overnight car and plane travel to the United States were up 3.7% and 1.9% respectively, while overnight travel by other means jumped 12.5%.

While car travel between Canada and the United States was up in November, the unfavourable weather in British Columbia had a negative impact on car travel between that province and the United States. High winds and heavy precipitation forced the cancellation of ferry services, impeded traffic and caused power outages throughout southern British Columbia and Vancouver Island. As a result, cross-border car traffic to and from British Columbia were down 10.4% and 4.4% respectively.

The Canadian dollar slipped to 88.0 US cents in November, down 0.7% from October. It also fell compared to other major international currencies such as the British pound sterling, the euro and the Japanese yen.

OTTAWA - While long lines and delays at the passport office may be frustrating, it's the conflicting reports over the new U.S. passport requirements that are creating confusion among Canadian and American travellers.

"It's the confusion over the requirements that is creating the biggest problem," says Randy Williams, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). "While the new passport requirement is a U.S. initiative, travellers on both sides of the border are required to comply; yet there is no clear communications strategy surrounding the program's modally staged implementation from either government."

As of January 23, 2007, all passengers traveling by air must show a valid passport when entering the U.S. However, travellers entering the U.S. at land border crossings do not require a passport; they can still cross the border with a birth certificate and driver's license.

The recent confusion and long delays come as no surprise to TIAC. The passport requirements were introduced in April 2005 as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and has been among the association's top priorities ever since.

"TIAC and its partners have been advocating on both sides of the border for a smooth, well communicated implementation," says Williams. The association continues to call on the Canadian and U.S. Governments to work together and allocate proper resources for a clear communications strategy on the new passport requirements.

The tourism industry on both sides of the border is concerned that potential visitors who are uncertain about passport requirements and burdened by the added cost of obtaining a passport, may decide not to travel at all. High passport costs will have an even greater impact on same-day travellers when the passport requirements are expanded to land and sea crossing some time before June 1, 2009.

"After January 23rd, it will still be easy and convenient for travellers to cross the border at land or sea crossings without a passport," says Chuck Loewen, General Manager of Peace Bridge Duty Free and Vice President of the Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA). "In light of the processing delays on both sides of the border, anyone planning on travel to the States in 2008 and beyond should prepare to apply for a passport soon."

Passport Canada has taken steps, such as hiring new staff and working overtime, to reduce processing times for passports; however, the sheer volume of applications is resulting in a delay of 5 to 20 business days in excess of its usual passport processing time.

While, these are positive steps in the right direction, a little advance planning can save travellers the frustration of waiting in line. Anyone flying to the United States in the next 90 days should apply in person at the closest passport office; everyone else can apply by mail. The U.S. passport requirements will be extended to marine points of entry and land border crossings sometime between January 1, 2008 and June 1, 2009.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is the national private-sector advocate for Canada's $62.7 billion tourism industry. It performs a unique and pivotal role in ensuring the Canadian business and policy environment works for tourism, by communicating its importance to Canadians, advocating positive measures, and lobbying government for action.

Laws requiring passports at Detroit Windsor border will not be implemented before January 2008

DETROIT -- Many travelers are confused as to what they need when traveling between the United States and Canada. Neal Belitsky, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Windsor Tunnel wants to assure people that they only need to prove their citizenship when traveling through the Tunnel. "The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) going into effect later this month only affects those traveling by air or sea, not by land," Belitsky said. "Therefore, United States and Canadian citizens driving across the border at the Detroit Windsor Tunnel and other border crossings only need to prove their citizenship." This could include a birth certificate, citizenship certificate or passport. However, Belitsky asks that travelers be prepared to present documentation such as valid U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or Naturalization certificate to avoid delays. And he encourages people to secure a valid passport within the year to help expedite traffic at the Tunnel. But Belitsky says, "You do not need a passport before next January to travel between Detroit and Windsor."

Recognizing the unique relationship we have in this region, the Tunnel is currently supporting the Departments of Homeland Security and State in developing a special card for people who frequently travel between Detroit and Windsor. However, people can now apply for a NEXUS card which will allow them expedited travel across the Tunnel. "NEXUS is a pre-approved clearance program that has succeeded at the Detroit Windsor Tunnel. NEXUS travelers are given a special card that allows them to enter a NEXUS dedicated lane and avoid the waits." The Tunnel has added a special feature to NEXUS and provides NEXUS approved travelers a NEXPRESS(R) card upon request, that allows them to enter the tunnel through a special lane, avoiding even further delays, often making travel between Detroit and Windsor seamless.

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, people traveling by air and sea will need passports beginning January 23. The Detroit Windsor Tunnel is one of the busiest passenger border crossings in North America offering travelers a downtown to downtown connection. For more information on these programs, link to www.dwtunnel.com.

Ontario bar sales down 24% since smoking bans began taking effect in 2001

TORONTO - A decision to allow government-run casinos to build smoking shelters should be extended to Ontario's bars, pubs and lounges, which have also seen a dramatic drop in business as result of smoking bans, says the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA).

Real sales in Ontario's bar, tavern and nightclub sector have dropped by 8% or $21 million in the first five months of the provincial smoking ban that was implemented on June 1 of last year, according to Statistics Canada. Since 2001, the bar, tavern and nightclub sector has suffered a 24% or $182-million drop in real sales, and an 18% drop in the number of establishments, due in large part to municipal smoking bans and the province-wide ban.

"Clearly the Ontario government has recognized the severe economic impact of its decision to ban smoking. It now needs to move immediately to allow smoking shelters in the rest of the hospitality industry, not just look after its own declining casino revenues," says CRFA's Executive Vice President, Michael Ferrabee.

During hearings into the smoking legislation, CRFA advocated separately ventilated, unstaffed rooms in bars, pubs and lounges for employees and patrons who choose to smoke. The government rejected this proposal in favour of a complete smoking ban, except on patios with no roof, overhang or even closely positioned umbrellas.

The regulations and guidance provided by the government since the province-wide ban came into effect on June 1, 2006 made it clear that smoking shelters would not be allowed in hospitality businesses.

"To suggest that casinos are not part of this same hospitality business is absurd," says Ferrabee. "They offer food and beverage service and compete directly with bars and restaurants."

Communications for the Travel Survey of Residents of Canada (PDF)

Georgian Bay-Lake Huron -The Midland - Penetanguishene - Lafontaine area offers great winter getaways for the family. There are cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and downhill ski packages available for families and couples looking for a winter getaways experience.

WINTER GETAWAYS include outdoor winter sports and recreational activities such as
DOWNHILL SKIING Getaway packages at Mount St. Louis,
CROSS COUNTRY Getaway packages at Wye Marsh Midland,
SNOWSHOEING Getaway packages at Wye Marsh Midland,
ICE FISHING WINTER getaway packages on Georgian Bay.

JUST 90 MINUTES NORTH OF TORONTO

For additional information on events and activities in the area visit www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca or call Toll Free to 1-800-263-7745.

- Interested newcomers will gain specific training, as well as nationally recognized certifications and six-month work opportunities.

- Employers will have access to a pool of specially trained and motivated job seekers.

Presenters include:

1. Mary D’Alton, President and Managing Director, Waterloo Inn & Conference Centre, will discuss the importance of the tourism and hospitality sector to the economy of Waterloo Region.

2. Sathya Gnaniah, Career Development Coordinator, Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC), will provide details of OTEC’s role in providing training within the industry in Ontario, and outline details of the Ready to Work Program.

3. Peter McFadden, Executive Director, Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN), will speak about the context of community efforts in Waterloo Region such as WRIEN to promote immigrant employment locally

4. Stephanie Mancini, Co-ordinator, The Working Centre, will talk about how community agencies help job seekers, and will elaborate on the role The Working Centre is fulfilling as the local community partner in the Ready to Work Program.

The Ready to Work Program is funded by the Government of Ontario.

Toronto-area convention industry announces new investments and growing capacity to capitalize on momentum

TORONTO - As the prestigious Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Annual Meeting concluded Janaury 9, 2007 in Toronto, Tourism Toronto and the region's convention industry launch a new year of aggressive worldwide sales by announcing three new convention wins and plans to expand the region's appeal to meeting planners.

Three more U.S.-based medical associations have chosen Toronto to host their upcoming international meetings, bringing a combined 22,000 delegates and $53 million in direct spending to the Toronto region: <<

- American Psychological Association (13,500 delegates in 2009)
- American Head and Neck Society (2,500 delegates in 2012)
- International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (6,000 delegates in 2015) >>

"Toronto's position as a first-tier global convention destination is being entrenched more every year," said Bill Allen, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. "With full-time sales teams in four cities we are marketing our destination more aggressively than ever to convention organizers around the world."

Today's announcement follows a successful 2006 in which Toronto hosted 14 city-wide meetings including the International AIDS Conference and American Psychiatric Association, both with more than 20,000 delegates. Throughout 2006 Tourism Toronto's active sales efforts generated future meetings and conventions totalling more than 400,000 hotel room nights.

Funding partnership delivers business

Ontario Tourism Minister Jim Bradley joined Tourism Toronto in announcing a renewal of the highly successful Convention Development Fund (CDF) that has helped tip decisions in Toronto's favour for the past three years. In that time, the CDF has helped deliver 55 convention wins that are expected to generate $351 million in direct visitor spending between 2007 and 2015.

The provincial government is investing $1 million in the fund for Toronto this year. Tourism Toronto, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and hotel partners have also committed more than $3 million over the next three years, ensuring strong continued partnership between the industry and the province.

"The Convention Development Fund has proven to be an essential sales tool that helps meeting organizers overcome financial obstacles and ensure that meetings that should be in Toronto are in Toronto," said Mr. Allen.

Convention facilities expanding

To ensure the region's capacity keeps pace with demand, the four major convention facilities in the Toronto area are planning major expansions and renovations in the coming year.

<< - Metro Toronto Convention Centre plans a $4-million renovation project in 2007 that will reconfigure and refinish the pre-function space outside Constitution Hall.

- Direct Energy Centre is planning a major expansion that will add to the Automotive Building to create a Conference Centre with 58,500 square feet of ballrooms and 22,500 square feet of meeting rooms.

- Toronto Congress Centre will undertake a massive expansion in 2007 that will double its total exhibition space to more than one million square feet. The 500,000-square-foot expansion includes 40 new meeting rooms and a 25,000-square-foot ballroom.

- International Centre is adding an $11.5-million state-of-the-art Conference Centre to enhance its existing half-million square feet of exhibit and meeting facilities. The 50,000 sq. ft. expansion offers 12 new meeting rooms, a 17,000 sq. ft. ballroom and a business centre. The Conference Centre is scheduled to open in January 2008. >>

In the 2006 Flaspohler survey of more than 400 influential North American meeting planners, Toronto was the only Canadian city in the top ten, and Tourism Toronto was rated the number one convention and visitors bureau in Canada, fourth in North America.

"These expansions and funding tools add to our already-strong convention offering. With full-time sales teams in four cities and an industry-leading reputation for service, Toronto's convention forecast is encouraging," said Mr. Allen

Canadians' tourism spending up

Domestic spending on tourism in Canada was up 2.2% in the third quarter, after growing 1.0% in the second. This marked the ninth straight quarterly increase, for a cumulative increase of 17%, since the second quarter of 2004.

Strong gains were recorded in domestic spending on accommodation (+3.7%) as well as items related to automobile travel, like vehicle rental (+5.9%) and vehicle fuel (+3.6%). Outlays on air and bus transportation in contrast were flat, while spending on water transport edged down 1.0%.

Canadians also spent more traveling abroad in the third quarter, boosting the country's international travel deficit from $1.6 billion in the second quarter to a record $1.9 billion. A deficit indicates that Canadian travellers spend more abroad than international visitors spend in Canada. A decline in non-resident travel spending also contributed to the increase in the travel deficit.

International tourism spending down again

Spending by international visitors (tourism exports) slipped 2.8% in the third quarter, as the number of non-resident travellers to Canada fell 3.5%. The number of American visitors dropped 3.9%, while there were 1.0% fewer visitors from other countries. A sharper decline (-4.2%) was recorded for same-day travellers from the United States.

The third quarter marked a return to the downward slide of spending by non-residents (tourism exports) that began in the first quarter of 2005. Over the last seven quarters, tourism spending by international visitors has shrunk by 10%.

Declines in tourism exports were widespread in the quarter, ranging from a 0.5% drop in spending on transportation to a 3.7% drop in outlays for food and beverage services. Passenger air transportation and water transportation were the only notable exceptions to the pattern of lower spending.

Tourism employment continues to grow

Tourism employment was up 0.4% in the third quarter of 2006, due largely to job gains in the air transportation and accommodation industries. Job growth was negligible in the food and beverage industry, and was down 0.4% in recreation and entertainment.

Tourism outpaces overall economy

Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 0.8% in the third quarter of 2006, twice the 0.4% pace posted in economy-wide GDP. The strength in the third quarter came from the food and beverages and accommodation industries.

Looking ahead

Early indicators for the fourth quarter of 2006 are mixed. The Canadian dollar lost ground against the US dollar and the euro in the fourth quarter, making it less expensive for Americans and Europeans to travel and shop in Canada.

The Business Conditions Survey for the Traveller Accommodation industry reported that 29% of hotel operators anticipated lower occupancy rates for the fourth quarter, while only 20% expected them to rise. On the other hand, almost twice as many hoteliers expected daily room rates to rise (40%) as those expecting them to fall (21%).

National tourism indicators
	Third quarter 2005	Fourth quarter 2005	First quarter 2006	Second quarter 2006	Third quarter 2006	Second to third quarter 2006
	millions of dollars at 1997 prices, seasonally adjusted					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada1	13,719	13,847	14,028	14,190	14,327	1.0
Tourism demand by non-residents	3,581	3,559	3,494	3,548	3,448	-2.8
Tourism domestic demand	10,138	10,287	10,533	10,642	10,879	2.2
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada1	5,118	5,162	5,220	5,339	5,400	1.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	918	918	888	863	858	-0.5
Tourism domestic demand	4,200	4,245	4,332	4,476	4,541	1.4
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada1	1,916	1,934	1,969	1,982	1,996	0.7
Tourism demand by non-residents	830	821	814	833	804	-3.5
Tourism domestic demand	1,086	1,114	1,154	1,149	1,191	3.7
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada1	1,908	1,912	1,948	1,950	1,970	1.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	575	563	552	568	547	-3.7
Tourism domestic demand	1,332	1,349	1,396	1,381	1,423	3.0
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada1	2,324	2,360	2,390	2,394	2,404	0.4
Tourism demand by non-residents	476	476	464	474	458	-3.4
Tourism domestic demand	1,848	1,883	1,926	1,920	1,947	1.4
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada1	2,453	2,479	2,501	2,525	2,557	1.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	782	782	777	809	780	-3.6
Tourism domestic demand	1,671	1,697	1,725	1,715	1,777	3.6
1. Data may not add to totals due to rounding.

National tourism indicators
	Third quarter 2005	Fourth quarter 2005	First quarter 2006	Second quarter 2006	Third quarter 2006	Second to third quarter 2006
	millions of dollars at current prices, seasonally adjusted					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada1	15,940	16,078	16,317	16,777	16,927	0.9
Tourism demand by non-residents	4,347	4,321	4,244	4,351	4,231	-2.8
Tourism domestic demand	11,593	11,758	12,072	12,426	12,696	2.2
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada1	5,979	6,022	6,073	6,421	6,478	0.9
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,218	1,216	1,172	1,168	1,162	-0.6
Tourism domestic demand	4,761	4,806	4,902	5,253	5,317	1.2
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada1	2,400	2,431	2,490	2,535	2,544	0.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,039	1,031	1,029	1,065	1,025	-3.8
Tourism domestic demand	1,361	1,400	1,461	1,470	1,520	3.4
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada1	2,342	2,363	2,422	2,449	2,476	1.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	706	696	686	713	688	-3.6
Tourism domestic demand	1,635	1,667	1,736	1,736	1,788	3.0
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada1	2,647	2,678	2,715	2,724	2,742	0.7
Tourism demand by non-residents	566	566	557	571	553	-3.1
Tourism domestic demand	2,080	2,111	2,158	2,153	2,189	1.7
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada1	2,572	2,586	2,616	2,648	2,687	1.5
Tourism demand by non-residents	817	812	801	833	804	-3.5
Tourism domestic demand	1,754	1,773	1,815	1,814	1,883	3.8
1. Data may not add to totals due to rounding.

Note to readers

Levels and shares of tourism spending are expressed in current dollars, adjusted for seasonal variations. Growth rates of tourism spending and gross domestic product 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