Related links: Tulip Festival named continent's best event
The Canadian Tulip Festival today announced that it has been named Canada’s “” for 2015 by the influential American Bus Association (ABA), whose members account for the bulk of motor coach tours to destinations in North America.
The ABA stated that it will be publishing this prestigious designation in a supplement to the September/October issue of magazine, describing the as offering “excellent value to both tour groups and individual travelers fromaround the world”. It will also designate the Festival among the tour destinations in all of North America.
Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO, stated, "The real news here is that the Festival has been recognized as a magnet for tourism dollars, and this honour gives Canada’s Capital Region an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."
According to studies completed by researchers at Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motor coach group can leave up to $25,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
Responding to the announcement, Dr. Mark Kristmanson, President and CEO of the National Capital Commission (NCC), which is the official gardener of the Canada’s Capital Region, said, “This is welcome recognition of the investment the NCC makes each year to showcase close to one million tulips across the region. It reflects our longstanding partnership with to invite residents and visitors to the Capital to commemorate the tulip tradition and friendship that links the Netherlands and Canada”.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson added, “Not only is the Tulip Ottawa’s official flower and an iconic part of the City’s brand, but the
kicks off our Spring tourism season, generating tens of millions of dollars in local economic benefit to the tourism sector, our third-largest industry and employer after government and high-tech. The City is therefore proud and pleased to be a strong supporter of the Festival and delighted at today’s recognition by the ABA.” The Ontario government also supports the Festival through the
program. Yasir Naqvi, MPP for Ottawa-Centre, congratulated the Festival on achieving ABA’s top designation, saying, "The Government of Ontario is proud to support festivals and events throughout our province as they are powerful economic drivers that draw tourists into our communities, create jobs and boost local economies. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the organizers and volunteers at the Canadian Tulip Festival, whose hard work and dedication has earned them this very impressive designation."
estimates that the May 2014 edition attracted a record crowd
of more than 600,000 visitors over ten days. “2015 will mark the 70
anniversary of the Dutch liberation”, said Laura Brown, the Festival’s Executive and Artistic Director, “Today’s announcement as Canada’s Top Destination is sure to result in even more visitors for the special anniversary celebration next May.”
Please contact:
Greg Haskill, Communications, Promotions, and Marketing Assistant
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