Minister Chagger announces steps to promote Canadian culinary tourism

Government seeking expert advice on how to showcase Canada's world-class culinary experiences

OTTAWA, June 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, announced that the Government of Canada has issued a request for proposals on making Canada a top destination for tourists seeking world-class culinary experiences.

Minister Chagger made the announcement during Tourism Week while visiting with students at Algonquin College's School of Hospitality and Tourism. As part of Canada's New Tourism Vision, the Government has committed to working with the tourism and food industries to develop a national culinary tourism strategy. Canada has a rich variety of culinary offerings, and there is tremendous potential to grow this niche tourism market.

Quotes

"Whether they involve visiting a restaurant or food festival, culinary experiences are as essential today to a tourist's experience as climate, geography and accommodations. With our wide range of food specialties and a great diversity of international cuisine, Canada has so much to offer. I look forward to working with tourism operators, agricultural producers and culinary industries to spread the word about Canada's great reputation for being a must-visit for foodies around the world."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"Many of the best restaurants in Canada are serving food, beverages and products made and produced by Canadian farmers and food processors. Canada's agriculture and food products are in high demand around the world for their quality, taste and value, and we must keep finding innovative ways to showcase them. I'm ready to get to work with Minister Chagger to leverage our world-class agri-food products to help attract more tourists to Canada, create new jobs and grow the economy."
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick facts

• With this request for proposals, the Government of Canada is seeking expert advice on a path forward to making Canada a destination of choice for international tourists looking for world-class culinary experiences. Proposals will be accepted until 2 p.m. EDT on July 5, 2017.
• According to Statistics Canada, approximately one fifth of spending ($3.56 billion) by international travellers in Canada is on food and beverages. Both domestic and international spending totals $15.35 billion. Canada's food service industry generates $75 billion in annual sales and employs more than 1.2 million Canadians.
• Canada's restaurants provide more first jobs than any other industry: 22 percent of Canadians get their career start in a restaurant or food service business.
• Tourism Week, an annual week-long celebration of Canadian tourism organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, runs from May 28 to June 3.

Associated links

• Request for Proposal—Making Canada a destination of choice for travellers seeking world-class culinary experiences
• Canada's Tourism Vision
• Tourism Industry Association of Canada

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT 
Instagram: minofsbt

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Jonathan Dignan, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism, 343-291-2700; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home