PROVINCIAL TOURISM INDUSTRY TO SHINE AT RENDEZ-VOUS CANADA

Travel buyers and writers from around the world will journey to the heart of the prairies next week for Canada's largest tourism trade event.

The Rendez-vous Canada marketplace, May 7th-11th in Saskatoon, is expected to generate unprecedented levels of interest in provincial tourism products and attractions as a result of Saskatchewan playing host to this event.

"If ever there was a year to showcase Saskatchewan's great sense of place to international markets, this centennial milestone year is it," Industry and Resources Minister and Minister responsible for Tourism Eric Cline said. "This is excellent exposure for a significant industry that generates a tremendous amount of provincial employment, wealth and pride."

Tourism employs more than 60,000 people in the province. Visitor expenditures in Saskatchewan are about $1.4 billion annually. The five-day Rendez-vous Canada event will generate an economic spin-off of $4.5 million for Saskatoon and surrounding area.

Tourism Saskatchewan and Tourism Saskatoon partnered with the Travel Industry Association of Canada to host Rendez-vous Canada and GoMedia Canada, a separate, simultaneous event for travel writers. Rendez-vous Canada has received significant private sector sponsorship, as well as support from the federal and provincial governments through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691