Tourism Industry Association of Canada Launches National Tourism Week

June 11, 2003

Tourism Industry Association of Canada Launches National Tourism Week
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has officially declared June 22-28 as national Tourism Week in an attempt to raise awareness for the $52 billion industry that employs 580,000 Canadians.

TIAC’s Tourism Week will offer a central marketing point for activities throughout Canada planned by businesses, provincial, territorial and regional tourism associations, destination marketing organizations and many more. Tourism activities could include open houses, contests, fam tours, parties and presentations. Tourism week is being organized by TIAC, with a theme of "Tourism Makes Me Smile."

TIAC has been planning Tourism Week since last year, but admits that the timing of the campaign brings about a new significance this summer. "World events, the threat of SARS and airline sector troubles have combined to make this the most difficult period Canada’s tourism industry has ever experienced, including the immediate aftermath of 9/11," said TIAC President and CEO Randy Williams. "It’s especially important at this time for Canadians and their governments to be aware of the importance of tourism to Canada’s standard of living as a nation, and to the quality of life of all Canadians."

To learn more about TIAC’s Tourism Week, visit TIAC-AITC.ca.