NTA Members Encouraged to Join in Toronto Recovery Efforts

June 26, 2003

NTA Members Encouraged to Join in Toronto Recovery Efforts
In an effort to rebuild the Toronto tourism industry from its SARS-stricken spring, the city announced this week it will host a concert with The Rolling Stones and 12 other artists July 30 and is asking for support from NTA members.

According to NTA member and event organizer Great Canadian Holidays in Kitchener, Ontario, a large block of tickets is secured for the event and Toronto is encouraging NTA tour operators to bring packages to the area. The open-air concert is expected to welcome 350,000 guests. Joining the Rolling Stones in show will be AC/DC, Guess Who, Justin Timberlake, Sam Roberts, The Flaming Lips, Kathleen Edwards, The Isley Brothers, Sass Jordan, LaChicone, and hosts Dan Akroyd and Jim Belushi as the Blues Brothers with their rendition of "Have Love Will Travel."

"Like New York post-Sept. 11, our company and many others supported our industry colleagues in New York City with special tour programs," said Larry Hundt, president, Great Canadian Holidays and Coaches Inc. "In Canada SARS has created the same type of fallout as Sept 11…we need your help!"

The concert will be held in Downsview Park. Tickets are available for a cost of C$21.50 ($16 US dollars) and the proceeds will be donated to a fund for tourism and healthcare workers. Group tour space and special and special sales are available for this event. F.I.T. bookings are commissionable at 10 percent.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit StonesRockToronto.com.