The Power of Tourism

The Power of Tourism
January 27, 2011

Canadian Tourism Commission | View on YouTube
Transcript | Video Help

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Transcript: The Power of Tourism

[1] Super: In the afterglow of the 2010 Winter Games…

[2] Super: Canada is on the world stage. And the tourism industry's future has never been brighter.

[3] Super: Tourism is "a key driver for socio-economic progress."—World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

CHRIS CAHILL, Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International:

The importance of tourism in Canada cannot be underestimated. Not only does it provide employment in every county and every province in this country, but it is also an export industry, which means it is helping our balance of trade.

[4] Super: Tourism is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the world.

[5] Super: Globally, world tourism arrivals are expected to double by 2020. (UNWTO)

[6] Super: And Canada's #1 country brand ranking proves that we have what it takes to compete.

DAVID BARRY, Chief Executive Officer, CMH Heli-Skiing / Alpine Helicopters [FR interview]

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Canada truly built a foundation for the country, but we can't stop there. We have to keep building other advantages, our brand, and continue promoting Canada worldwide.

TEWANEE JOSEPH, Chief Executive Officer, Four Host First Nations

You have a local government working with a regional government, working with a national government, First Nations and the private sector. It's the relationships and the partnerships: when you come together with a focus, we believe you can accomplish anything that you want to accomplish.

[8] Super: "Travel and tourism means jobs."—World Travel & Tourism Council

[9] Super: Canada's tourism industry supports 177,900 businesses

[10] Super: and 616,800 Canadian jobs.—Statistics Canada

[11] Super: Tourism contributes $28 billion to Canada's GDP

[12] Super: and accounts for $70 billion in revenue

[13] Super: including over $14 billion from international visitors.

[14] Super: Tourism is vibrant and alive

[15] Super: and the potential is limitless.

DAVID OGILVY, VP, Sales and Marketing, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Canada

I see it as continuing to grow, I see it as continuing to provide more to the economy in Canada, so for me as someone who's been in the industry for a long time, it's extremely important to the Canadian economy.

[16] Super: Canadian experiences are uniquely compelling.

PIERRE FAUCHER, President and Proprietor, Sucrerie de la Montagne [FR interview]

Canada is really a place where people dream of being, and dream of coming. We have millions of lakes, tall mountains, and friendly, welcoming people. The hospitality of Canadians is so warm and sincere that visitors always want to return.

[17] Super: Travel and tourism are in every community.

DAVID L. HAHN, President and CEO, BC Ferries

We provide a lot of employment to gift shops, hotels, bed and breakfasts. We deliver customers to smaller communities that are in need of that, and I think it's a great thing for us to contribute to society in a greater way.

JILL CURRAN, President, Maxxim Vacations / Owner, Lighthouse Picnics

Tourism development is really important to local communities because it obviously increases employment in the area, it allows people to work closer to home, it allows people to work in industries that truly reflect what it is to be from that community.

[18] Super: and our industry is ready to deliver.

DR. DAVID CHALACK, President & Chairman, Calgary Stampede

Tourism is important to me for two primary reasons. First, we get to showcase this wonderful country, and second, we get to stimulate our economy and create an environment where Canadians are proud to be Canadians.

CHRIS CAHILL

Canada's product is unique, it's an authentic product, it's a natural product. We can only continue to be competitive, to be able to grow this business, to have a vibrant successful industry, if we continue to invest and keep aligned all the forces that make up the tourism industry in this country.

End slate: Canada. Keep Exploring. (with FIP, URL & Corp Comms logo)