VICTORIA, British Columbia, Nov. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today marks the start of the 2017 Canada’s West Marketplace trade show (CWM) in Victoria, British Columbia. CWM is one of the largest annual events providing an opportunity for BC and Alberta tourism suppliers to present their products, experiences and services to tour operators from around the world.
“Canada’s West Marketplace allows tourism suppliers the opportunity to showcase iconic BC experiences and services to buyers from around the globe,” said Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination British Columbia. “We should take great pride that tourism currently generates more GDP for British Columbians than any other natural resource industry – more than mining, forestry, oil and gas, agriculture or fishing.”
This year, organizers are expecting more than 250 tourism suppliers from across Alberta and BC, meeting with 150 tour operators and wholesalers from Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, and the Americas. Approximately 10,000 sales meetings take place in just three days.
“This event showcases the critical work being done by Alberta and British Columbia to develop an industry that truly drives economic growth, and proves the importance of strong partnerships in the highly competitive push for international visitors,” said Royce Chwin, CEO, Travel Alberta. “Working together to grow global product awareness for Western Canada through this event is a critical step as we continue to find innovative ways to increase our market share of the domestic and international visitor.”
Canada’s West Marketplace trade show, now in its 30th year, is a partnership between Destination British Columbia and Travel Alberta, created to effectively showcase Western Canada tourism products to international and domestic tour operators and buyers. Each year, the trade show alternates locations between Alberta and British Columbia.
About Destination British Columbia
Destination British Columbia is an industry-led Crown corporation that works collaboratively with tourism stakeholders across the province to coordinate marketing at the international, provincial, regional and local levels. For more information on Destination BC, please visit www.DestinationBC.ca.
Travel Alberta
Travel Alberta is Alberta’s tourism marketing agency. We showcase Alberta tourism experiences to potential travellers across Canada and the world. Travel Alberta provides marketing expertise and destination development support to Alberta-based tourism businesses, creating compelling reasons for travellers to explore Alberta.
Established as a crown corporation in 2009, Travel Alberta is mandated to promote the province as a top tourism destination, and support the Government of Alberta in the development of tourism policy, advocacy, research, visitor services and product development.
For more information, please contact:
Brie Thorsteinson Ogle
Travel Alberta
Manager, Engagement and Communications
403-630-5231
Destination BC
Media.Relations@DestinationBC.ca