After missing 2020, we were thrilled to reconnect with you at the first-ever virtual Rendez-vous Canada+ (RVC+).
And you know what? You were incredible! 

You made this year’s industry trade marketplace vibrant and exciting. You created new opportunities, expanded your network, and learned innovative ways to market Canadian tourism experiences. 
We are so glad you were a part of Canada’s signature international tourism marketplace. Thank you!

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS
We’d like to thank our sponsors for their generous support of RVC+ 2021. Your contributions enabled us to bring our vision to life and help 1,500 delegates forge over 22,000 connections! 

SEE YOU IN 2022
We’re already looking forward to seeing you—hopefully in person—next year!
No matter what is decided in terms of format, the foundation of this event will remain the same—RVC will continue to be Canada’s signature international tourism marketplace.
We need your input on the future of RVC, so please take the time to complete the post-survey. Check your email tomorrow!

Take care, stay safe, and remember #TourismCounts!

Did you know in the first 8 hours RVC+ hosted over 5,000 meetings?  So many opportunities for Buyers and Sellers to forge meaningful connections…in just one day!  We hope you’re having a successful RVC+ experience so far. And remember to visit the Info-Desk or tech support if you have any questions along the way. Both are available to access directly from the virtual event Lobby.

HAVING INTERNET CONNECTION ISSUES?
If you’re having trouble with your internet connection, try the following tips:

1. Use the Google Chrome browser to access the virtual event
You can download the simple, secure and fast browser here.

2.Make sure your VPN is disconnected
To find out how to disconnect from your virtual private network (VPN), search “How to disconnect from VPN” and your system type (e.g. Windows, Mac, Android, etc). If possible, use a hard-wired internet connection instead of WIFI.

3.Close all other media and social media 
Media platforms and social media use up your bandwidth, shutting them down should improve your connection. 

4.Download the RVC+ app as a backup
If you’re having technical issues with your computer, you can access all your RVC+ appointments on your phone or tablet with the RVC+ mobile app. Download the free app here!

CHECK OUT THE EXPLORE CANADA SHOWCASE Have you visited the Explore Canada Showcase yet?  Here you’ll find international market updates from Destination Canada, profiles of Canada’s provinces and territories, and videos from our amazing sponsors! You can access the Showcase directly from the RVC+ Lobby or from the top menu. Click “VIDEO SELECTION” above the main screen for the menu of videos.

On Thursday, May 20, Travel Advisors will be exploring the RVC+ Marketplace between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Eastern Time. While Travel Advisors don’t have pre-scheduled appointments, they will be able to request a chat with Sellers or start an in-depth video chat.

Is your booth Travel Advisor ready?
Be sure to upload materials targeted to Travel Advisors to your booth in time for Thursday. You can access your booth from the Lobby, the top menu, or by searching your company name.

Selling Canadian Experiences
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Canada’s Travel Advisors have shifted their focus from international travel packages to selling Canadian experiences. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your offering to Travel Advisors who are helping clients plan their dream post-pandemic getaway!

Be sure to test your tech, dress for success, and make sure your location is camera-ready before your first appointment today! The RVC+ blog has all the details you need to make a great impression and ensure your technology is up to speed.

Did you know?
New appointment requests can be submitted at any time—view our Guide to Managing your Appointments to find out how to request an appointment with another delegate.

Let’s connect!Keep your eyes open for appointment requests from other delegates. These will appear in the “Requests To Me” tab in your Appointment Schedule.

HOW TO VIDEOS
The RVC+ team has uploaded a series of How To videos to help you maximize your experience this year. 
Check out our YouTube channel for helpful tips on navigating the virtual marketplace, visiting Seller booths, reassigning appointment schedules, and more!

To access these videos, click here. 

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS
If you need help at any time during RVC+ 2021, please visit the Info-Desk and use the drop-down menu to find the answers you need. 

You can also speak directly with our friendly tech support—simply click the red “Help” box at the bottom right of the Lobby.

DID YOU MISS THE LIVE INSIDE TRACK?
Not to worry! The recording will be available to view in the Explore Canada Showcase.

The first-ever virtual RVC+ kicked off yesterday with an unforgettable Indigenous welcome hosted by members of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
National tourism leaders provided updates on how their organizations are working to support the recovery of the tourism sector and visitor economy. Delegates heard from:

• The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages 
• Monique Gomel, Destination Canada’s Interim Chair, Board of Directors 
• Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada 
• Beth Potter, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada 
• Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada 

After over a year of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all ready to take our dream vacation. Destination Canada (DC) encouraged delegates to ask themselves where they want to visit first once we can travel again. And the DC team shared their marketing plans for domestic and international markets, as well as innovative efforts to support Business Events and a sneak peek at upcoming campaigns designed to inspire travel in Canada—where and when restrictions allow.

INSIDE TRACK MARKET UPDATE VIDEOS
The RVC+ team has added market update videos for eight key consumer markets including the United States, China, and Australia. The videos range from 10-30 minutes and share insider knowledge on what travellers will be looking for when Canada can safely welcome visitors again.
To watch these videos, navigate from the Lobby to the Explore Canada Showcase. Click “VIDEO SELECTION” above the main screen to access the videos.

WHERE WILL YOU GO FIRST?
Whether you travel two kilometers, 200 or 2,000, there are countless destinations and cultures to explore in Canada. And right now is the perfect time to plan your dream trip. Share with everyone at RVC+where you will go first in Canada once restrictions ease.

Click here to enter your destination!

Please take some time to explore the virtual platform so you can make the most of your RVC+ experience.

If you need technical help at any time, navigate to the Information Desk in the Lobby, or click Help / Aide at the bottom right of your screen.

We’d love to see you!
This year’s Destination Host, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is displaying Indigenous artwork in the RVC+ virtual hall and will showcase Indigenous tourism destinations from coast to coast to coast. Stop by their booth for resources, top Indigenous experiences by province/territory, and videos.

Visit the Destination Canada Lounge for data, tools, and resources to help the Canadian tourism industry reach domestic and international markets, as well as videos from across the country.

And pay a visit to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Lounge to learn more about their advocacy work and the benefits of membership.

Are you on the Inside Track? 
Don’t miss the virtual kick-off session today at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET in the Explore Canada Showcase, with a powerful Indigenous welcome, hosted by members of ITAC.

National tourism leaders from Destination Canada, TIAC, ITAC, and more will discuss their efforts to support the recovery of the tourism sector and visitor economy. You’ll leave the session inspired and fired up to make meaningful connections with RVC+ delegates.

Ready? Let’s do this!

While your experience at RVC+ will look a little different this year, never before has the value of the show been so important. 

Our new virtual format makes sure that Canada stays top-of-mind with our partners around the world, reminding them of our many remarkable destinations, which can ignite the imaginations of travellers.

This past year has been a long, hard journey and we do not yet fully know what is ahead. What we do know is that, when border restrictions lift, Team Canada is ready to go. Our travel and hospitality industry has invested billions in introducing robust health and hygiene protocols, retraining staff, and re-imagining experiences to welcome back visitors.

Thank you to our RVC+ partners, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, and this year’s national hosts, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, along with all our partners from across Canada and the world for joining us this week. These relationships underpin our industry’s strength and will continue to be vital in the months and years ahead. 

I hope you will leave RVC+ with a renewed passion for Canada. Our warm and diverse people, and vibrant cities immersed in unmatched natural beauty await those looking for meaningful experiences to reconnect with what’s truly important. 

With a glowing heart,

Marsha Walden
President and CEO
Destination Canada

With our partner Destination Canada, we are thrilled to present Canada’s signature international tourism marketplace…in an exciting new format. The RVC+ virtual platform will let you connect with more attendees and explore new opportunities than ever before.  

We know nothing replaces meeting face to face, that is why as the National Voice for Canada’s Tourism Industry, we are working behind the scenes on a re-opening plan and facilitating conversations with the federal government and at the global table through the World Travel and Tourism Council, looking at what other countries have been doing to ensure Canada is part of the seamless traveler experience for people that are moving around the world as we recover from the pandemic. 

While we work on unlocking the door, our operators, attractions, destinations, and experience providers have been preparing for you.

From coast to coast to coast, tourism businesses have developed and adapted exceptional products and experiences that follow COVID-19 regulations and protocol. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Canada!

Canada’s tourism industry, the Sellers you will meet at RVC+, are vital contributors to our economy generating billions in revenue and providing millions of jobs in every region, province, territory, town, and community. Next week, during Tourism Week in Canada, May 23-30, we will recognize their resilience, determination and perseverance in a seven-day event acknowledging their importance in Canada’s cultural fabric and economic ecosystem. We hope you will join us in this virtual salute to Canada’s Tourism Industry.

Please feel free to stop by the TIAC booth over the next few days to learn more about our advocacy work, initiatives, and how you can become engaged and support our efforts.

We wish you a successful RVC+ and hope to see you in person in 2022!

Beth Potter
President & CEO
Tourism Industry Association of Canada

As the official host of Rendez-Vous Canada, and on behalf of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and our 63 Indigenous delegates at 2021 RVC+, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our tourism partners, buyers and sellers gathered here virtually to kick off (hopefully) the return of tourism. As the national Indigenous tourism organization, we are honoured to create a space where 44 export-ready Indigenous tourism businesses will connect with international travel professionals, proudly showcasing the diversity and richness of experiences across our country.

Indigenous cultural experiences are among Canada’s most sought after tourism experiences both domestically and internationally, with research from Destination Canada indicating that more than 1-in-3 visitors are interested in Indigenous culture. These experiences are not only important to preserve and share Indigenous culture but they also contribute to the economic viability of Indigenous communities, many of whom rely on the tourism industry to employ and provide sustainable income for their members. 

Like the rest of the industry, Indigenous tourism has been hit extremely hard as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, we know that by working with our partners on long term solutions we will sustain our beautiful but devastated sector. We look forward to continuing to support an important and growing industry for many years to come and ITAC remains committed to secure the funding and support needed to ensure Indigenous tourism in Canada remains a global leader for offering outstanding experiences.

Have a great virtual Rendez-Vous! 

Sincerely,

Keith Henry
President & CEO
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Canada’s signature international tourism marketplace is just around the corner, and we want to help you maximize your time at Rendez-vous Canada+!

Here are our top four tips for connecting with attendees, making a great impression, and exploring new opportunities on the RVC+ virtual platform this May.

Looking forward to seeing you on the RVC+ virtual platform on May 17-20, 2021!

1.    Dress for success 

Wondering what to wear to RVC+ this year? Ask yourself what you’d wear if it was not a virtual event. We recommend choosing business attire—whatever that looks like for you—for a couple of reasons. First, it reminds you and your counterpart that this is still a business meeting, it’s just in a different setting. And second, dressing well gets you in the mindset to perform. When you make an effort to look your best, you’ll feel more confident—and that confidence will infuse all your interactions at RVC+.

2.    Explore the virtual platform in advance

Every virtual platform is a little different. Take some time before your appointments start to explore the RVC+ virtual lobby, where you can access the Marketplace and visit Seller booths, watch videos in the Explore Canada Showcase, check out our wonderful Sponsors, and visit the Destination Canada and Tourism Industry Association of Canada Lounges. If you need help, stop by the Information Desk. Checking out the lobby in advance at your leisure will make it easier for you to dive into the action! Sellers can access the virtual platform now. Buyers will have access starting at 9am Eastern on May 17.

3.    Prepare for your appointments

We recommend gathering everything you need in advance of your appointments. Test your computer camera and microphone (or better yet, use an external headset and microphone). Keep a pen and paper handy to jot down notes and have a jug of water at the ready to stay refreshed throughout the day. During your video meeting, you’ll be able to share your screen and take notes, and you’ll be able to share documents with delegates.

4.    Make your background appealing

During appointments, the focus is on you…but make sure your background looks professional. The RVC+ virtual platform doesn’t support virtual backgrounds so it’s important to consider where you’ll be holding your meetings. Here are a couple of quick tips to set up a great meeting space:

• Aim for a simple and tasteful background.
• Clear all clutter and remove distractions.
• Set light sources in front of you so everything looks clear onscreen.
• Avoid sitting in front of a window because the light will make it difficult to see you.
• Position your camera at eye level.