McGuinty Government Growing Tourism Industry In Nation's Capital
TORONTO, March 10 /CNW/ -
NEWS
Ontario is shining a spotlight on the nation's capital and raising its
tourism profile by helping it stage Canada's most prestigious movie awards
celebration.
The province is investing $150,000 to help the National Capital
Commission host the 2009 Genie Awards and Genie Week. The event will draw
visitors to the region, bring national attention to local tourist attractions
and enhance the city's reputation as a go-to destination.
The Genie Awards will take place April 4 at the Canada Aviation Museum.
QUOTES
"Our government recognizes that tourism is an important economic driver
that creates jobs in communities across the province. The Genie Awards Week is
a great opportunity to cast the spotlight on the nation's capital and to
highlight all the great tourism opportunities Ottawa has to offer."
- Monique Smith, Minister of Tourism
"Bringing the Genies to Ottawa is important to the city's economy.
Ontario is delighted to have played a role in making this happen for the
people of Ottawa and for the entire province."
- Jim Watson, MPP for Ottawa West-NepeanQUICK FACTS
- Approximately 300,000 people in Ontario are directly or indirectly
employed by the tourism industry.
- In 2007, tourism revenue was over $22 billion. These receipts
produced $20 billion of GDP, or 3.4% of the province's Gross Domestic
Product, which was greater than the combined total from agriculture,
forestry/logging, commercial fishing/hunting and mining.
LEARN MORE
Discover things to do in Ontario (http://www.ontariotravel.net/).
Learn more about the Genie Awards (http://www.genieawards.ca/).
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Disponible en français
For further information: Lisa DiLollo, Tourism Minister's Office, (416)
325-4543; Mark Thompson, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391
