Minister of State Bernier Celebrates 2012 Tourism Week in Canada 

Minister of State Bernier Celebrates 2012 Tourism Week in Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, May 14, 2012 (Menafn - MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --To mark the launch of Tourism Week in Canada 2012, which runs fromMay 14 to 20, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (SmallBusiness and Tourism), today made the following statement:

"On the occasion of Tourism Week in Canada, I offer my best wishes tothe hard-working men and women responsible for the continued successof Canada's tourism industry.

"Our government understands the importance of tourism to ourcountry's economy. With the release of Canada's Federal TourismStrategy last year, we took an important step toward awhole-of-government approach to supporting this vital sector.

"Through Economic Action Plan 2012, we are following through on thisstrategy. For example, earlier this month, our government announcedadministrative improvements to the Foreign Convention and TourIncentive Program. These improvements build on our commitment tostrengthen the Canadian tourism sector and support job growth.

"I am proud to say that we have a solid foundation on which to build.According to international branding consultancy FutureBrand, Canadais the strongest country brand in the world.

"I am pleased to recognize, during Tourism Week and throughout theyear, the world-class destinations and attractions that have earnedour country such a powerful brand.

"Congratulations and I wish success to all of those involved inTourism Week 2012."

Contacts:
Scott French
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-943-6183

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502

SOURCE: Industry Canada

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