RENDEZ-VOUS CANADA: STRONGER TOGETHER

Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) 2024 has officially wrapped in Edmonton! With over 1,500 attendees from around the world, including 390 buyers from 22 countries, 21 international media and 934 Canadian sellers, this year’s premium tourism marketplace was a massive success. 

Each year, RVC plays an integral role in the Canadian tourism industry, and 2024 was no different. The event facilitated more than 47,016 appointments, creating valuable opportunities for new connections and strengthening existing partnerships. Millions of dollars in sales contracts and future business between buyers and sellers took place on the marketplace floor. 

As the 2024 host destination, Travel Alberta and Explore Edmonton worked together to create an incredible RVC experience, from the moment guests landed in YEG.  

Here are our three takeaways from hosting RVC 2024: 

1. International travel is back!

There has been a palpable resurgence of international travel over the last year, with a notable increase in visitors from around the world flocking to Alberta. RVC served as an opportunity to highlight Alberta's unique regions and hospitality and showed all international delegates in attendance that Alberta is ready to continue welcoming tourists from around the world. 

2. Air access is a key differentiator

As a mainly fly-to destination, enhanced air connectivity has positioned Alberta as a premier location for business and leisure travel. The introduction of new routes, such as the direct flight from Seoul to Calgary and the expanded service from Tokyo, has opened new gateways to Asian markets. This year’s RVC saw travel-trade professionals and media from these emerging markets, with some Korean delegates taking advantage of the inaugural Calgary-Seoul flight. These access developments signify a major leap in making Alberta more accessible and appealing to long-haul travellers in these important international markets. 

3. We’re strongest together

The collaborative effort of Team Alberta has significantly boosted the province's profile on the global stage. This collective approach drove alignment across Alberta sellers, showcased our incredible spirit and renowned hospitality across the province. Feedback from delegates and partners was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the province's ability to impress and inspire. This unified strategy, from pre-FAM trips to warm welcomes at the Edmonton International Airport, to a coordinated hotel strategy, to the thousands of meetings on the trade floor, supported a uniquely Alberta experience and laid a strong foundation for future partnerships and growth. 

Thank you to Destination Canada and Tourism Industry Association of Canada for putting on an incredible event and a huge congratulations to Explore Edmonton for successfully hosting their first RVC. 

RVC is an invitation only event for export-ready tourism operators across Canada. Becoming export ready can be a key differentiator for businesses. To learn more about becoming export ready and future RVC’s connect with your Destination Development Manager. 

Connect with your Destination Development Manager