Executive Director’s Message
Now that winter is over, and spring is upon us, I trust everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine. In my role as Executive Director at CITAP, I have the opportunity to meet with many of our members and discuss issues that are most concerning to our industry. Through our committee’s at CITAP we address not only problems in our industry, but also opportunities to enhance our visitors’ experience while travelling in Canada.
On our website, you will find several committee’s that may be of interest to you and your business. If you would like to discuss the opportunity to be involved with one of the committee’s, or have issues or opportunities to bring forward,please contact me directly to discuss further.
One of the major concerns for our industry so far in 2019 is the impact on business that the tensions between China and Canada is having for this year. Currently at CITAP we work with other tourism association partners in monitoring the situation but also, we are receiving feedback from our membership on the changes and challenges taking place currently. Based on feedback from our RTO membership, for the China market, some visitors are changing their travel style from large groups to more small independent travellers. Bookings from business and government accounts has also experienced a reduction in travellers. With the travel advisory in China for travel to Canada is still in place, there has been some impact on large incentive group bookings for the first quarter of this year. At the moment, the leisure, student and convention meeting group markets are showing no impact for travel to Canada. As the advance booking times for the Chinese markets are short, we will continue to monitor through our RTO members the booking patterns and update you on any shifts in business.
To address the shortage of qualified Chinese Tour Guides in Canada, CITAP conducted its third three-week training program in March with 40 graduating students that enrolled in this program. I had the opportunity to attend this year’s graduation ceremony along with several industry special guests and media to celebrate completion of this year’s program. I was delighted to have had the opportunity to share with the students their excitement of completing this course and entering our industry. As the president of TIABC Walt Judas stated, CITAP has identified a problem in our tourism industry and has developed a program to address it.
Thanks to Alin Lin, Sherry Sun, David Lin, Victor Pun, Elaine Xu, Jordon Lui and Albert Tseng in developing this educational program and the fact this was the third year CITAP has offered this course. I would also like to give a special thanks to the following CITAP members that contributed time and resources in making this program the success it is: Butchart Gardens, Royal BC Museum, Summer Hill Winery, Wilson Transportation Ltd, Charter Bus Lines, Pursuit, Prestige Hotels, Banff Lodge Company, Tourism Vancouver, Tourism Whistler, and Banff /Lake Louise Tourism.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming AGM on May 28th in Toronto and until then enjoy the warm weather.
Joe Volk, CITAP Executive Director
RTO Reports
Market updates are written by Receptive Tour Operator members and in this issue we have updates from the following markets: Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Enjoy their anecdotal assessment of each of our primary Asia Pacific markets with a combination of overview, economy, and forecast. Read the full report on our Reports and Presentations page.
Destination Canada: Gourmet Traveller’s Luxury Guide to Canada
Australia is Canada’s fifth largest long-haul market but third largest source of leisure travellers. The average Australian leisure traveller spends $2,715 per trip—among the highest spend per trip of all Canada’s long-haul markets. Canada is well-positioned on several key drivers of destination desirability, but there is room to grow cities and culinary experiences. Destination Canada (in cooperation with DMO, PMO and commercial partners) develops content year-round with leading Australia lifestyle publications. Destination Canada is pleased to showcase a recent example from Gourmet Traveller Australia that showcases vibrant communities and memorable culinary experiences from across Canada.
Link: http://destinationcanada.gourmettraveller.com.au/
DMO Interview: 6 Questions with Craig Sulis
Craig Sulis, Director, Manager of Sales, Trade & Media, Tourism PEI
CITAP is pleased to introduce our newest Board Member: Craig Sulis, Manager, Trade, Sales & Media at Tourism Prince Edward Island
- How long have you been with Tourism PEI and what are your key responsibilities and markets?I have been working her for 18 years, my title is Manager, Trade, Sales, and Media Relations.Have you always worked in the tourism industry?Yes, prior to coming to Tourism PEI I worked for Rodd Hotels & Resorts for 10 years, Canadian Airlines for 7 years, in a travel agency and as a tour operator.What do you like most about our industry? I like helping people succeed in the industry by getting new customers and growing their business.What do you like most about living in PEI?
The quality of life. We have most of the amenities of a larger centre but no crowds. Recreational activities are always close and accessible
What are your favorite travel destinations?
Asia and Europe.
What are the three top items on your bucket list?
Improve my photography, travel more, and visit Canada’s North
2019 CITAP Chinese Training Guide
We are proud to announce the third graduating group of the CITAP Chinese Speaking Tour Guide program. Forty students graduated from the three-week intensive program on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at Cedar Bridge Ballroom, Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel.
The program was created to address the critical need for professional Chinese speaking tour guides in Canada. Our country has experienced a shortage in qualified Chinese speaking tour guides since we received Approved Destination Status from China in 2010. Through this program, participants have the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to become a professional tour guide — from customer service to transportation safety and scheduling management. They also have the opportunity for a job interview with Chinese tour operators that are current CITAP members.
Save the Date: 2019 CITAP Upcoming Events
Annual General Meeting: Mark your calendars! With Rendez-Vous Canada (RVC) 2019 taking place in Toronto, the CITAP AGM will be held the morning of May 28, 2019 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, ON. The 2018 AGM had a record turn out and we are grateful to all members who attended. Based on the success of the event, we have once again decided to host our AGM prior to RVC. Registration is free so register now! As always, please check our event page for updates.
Hidi Nishi Classic: Our popular summer event will be held at the Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Registration information will be sent out in the coming weeks so please stay tuned!
2019 Winter Function: Our biggest event of the year will be held in BC on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC. Registration will open in the fall.
Members’ Corner
In this Members’ corner, you can share your latest news and updates with other members, or learn other members’ latest updates and news! In this issue, over 10 organizations have shared their latest updates with us. Click below to see their updates.
