The Focus Canada and Viva Holidays Roadshow drew to a close on Friday, following a highly successful week of events in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, featuring 13 Canadian tour operators and tourism offices.
The roadshow showcased Canada’s new, iconic and regenerative tourism experiences to travel agents and media, providing more than 400 travel agents with the chance to network with diverse Canadian representatives.
Additionally, Australian tour operators attended the highly successful B2B event in Sydney, followed by a cocktail reception at the rooftop Aster Bar, InterContinental Sydney, hosted by Travel Manitoba, Destination BC and Air Canada.
Julie King, Managing Director, Destination Canada Australia, says the collaborative roadshow fulfilled the vital role of providing the Australian travel industry with first-hand knowledge of Canada’s future tourism direction and new products.
“We know that Australians are no longer willing to put off travelling to bucket-list destinations, and Canada’s open spaces, open minds and open hearts beckon to those seeking meaningful travel experiences,” says Julie.
“The roadshow was a powerful way to reach Australian travel industry members with inspiring information about Canada’s regenerative tourism experiences, from wildlife adventures to culinary and Indigenous immersions.”
Keynote speaker, Alysa McCall, Scientist and Director of Conservation Outreach, Polar Bears International, captivated at the Viva Holidays agents show as well as Friday’s Canada Focus media lunch, attended by around 60 Australian travel writers, editors, influencers and broadcasters, MC’d by Channel Seven personality, Edwina Bartholomew.
Sponsored by Adventure World, Alysa spoke about the changing habitat of polar bears in Canada and solutions for protecting these majestic creatures, and their human neighbours, as Arctic sea ice begins to melt.
Neil Rodgers, Managing Director, Adventure World, is delighted to champion the cause of Polar Bears International, as it aligns with Adventure World’s commitment to creating sustainable travel experiences with purpose.
“When we experience the beauty and silence of wilderness or meet an animal up close and share an inquisitive gaze, we come to understand what is at stake,” says Neil. “Our hope is that travellers go home transformed, as ambassadors for conservation.”
Held at Luke’s Kitchen at Kimpton Margot Sydney, media attendees were also treated to panel discussions featuring Canadian destinations and tourism operators, while indulging in a specially designed menu, created by Luke Mangan, and bespoke cocktails, courtesy of Destination Vancouver.
“Media were taken on a journey of discovery through Canada’s vast and varied landscapes and cities,” says Julie.
“From witnessing polar bears in their natural habitat to cultural immersions in Canada’s northern territories, Friday’s media event was a wonderful opportunity to inspire media across all platforms to experience Canada for themselves.”
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