Rendez-vous Canada 2014
An interview with Rupert Peters, Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) vice-president, International (interim)
What exactly is Rendez-vous Canada?
Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) is Canada’s premier international tourism marketplace, connecting international buyers with Canadian sellers of tourism products. Some 1,500 tourism-industry leaders attend for more than 23,000 pre-scheduled business appointments over four days.
RVC is up there with the best and biggest international marketplaces in terms of quality. Each year, a different great Canadian city plays host; for the 38th edition in 2014, it’s Vancouver’s turn, with the magnificent Vancouver Convention Centre being the hub of activity May 27-30.
What type of buyers attends RVC?
Buyers include tour operators, wholesalers and packagers from the Asia Pacific region, Europe, Latin America and North America. We expect 430 buyers this year from 23 countries. We also recruit buyers that are planning to start a Canada program. At RVC, Canadian tourism businesses are matched with international buyers for 12-minute one-on-one prescheduled appointments, with a maximum of 70 for the whole marketplace.
What are the other benefits for international buyers planning on attending?
RVC’s intense B2B program focuses on Canada as a first-class international travel destination. The marketplace has a range of information sessions, such as market updates from CTC’s in-market specialists. It’s also an important platform for Canadian businesses to launch new tourism products, to view competitors’ products and to help increase the range of tourism experiences Canada offers. Networking opportunities allow new alliances to form in a fun, dynamic and efficient environment.
We offer sponsorship packages, a mobile app that gives year-round access to the attendee list and a comprehensive strategy for travel-trade media relations. Twenty-five travel-trade media covered RVC last year and we expect similar coverage in 2014. Attendees can meet members of our Canadian Signature Experiences (CSE) program, which is a great selling tool for buyers. Finally, once a delegate registers, there are exciting complimentary pre- and post-RVC tours in and around British Columbia available.
How much does it cost to attend as a buyer?
Registration and hotel for up to five nights is $CAD 850, while registration without accommodation is $CAD 450. The fees include all social functions and meals that are part of the official RVC program, round-trip airport and/or hotel transfers and local bus transfers from RVC hotels to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Air Canada and WestJet are offering discounts to attendees, too.
How can I register?
Start at the RVC website, but note we screen potential buyers to ensure they meet the acceptance criteria.
For additional questions, contact the Rendez-vous Canada office via e-mail or call +1-613-238-4080.
Stephen Milton
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season