President’s Message
Dear CITAP+ Members,
As we embark on a new year filled with promise and opportunity, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates from CITAP+ over the last little while. First and foremost, our Winter Function in December was an outstanding success, bringing together industry leaders and professionals to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared passion for tourism.
I am delighted to announce the successful completion of our China Market project in collaboration with Destination Canada. Led by the talented Shan Tseng of NTS International Group, this project has highlighted new opportunities, and we hope to cover more markets in the near future. It is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our members that we continue to make strides in global market development.
Looking ahead, CITAP+ is eagerly preparing to attend RVC in Edmonton this year. This event provides us with a valuable platform to showcase our organization on an international stage, network with industry leaders, and forge new partnerships that will propel us forward.
In addition, now that CITAP+ is operating on a global scale, I am looking forward to welcoming new members hailing from diverse markets including the US, Europe, and Mexico. These unique perspectives and contributions will enrich our community and help us better serve the needs of our global membership.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the tourism industry, I am confident that together, we will continue to make a positive impact and drive innovation in global markets.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to CITAP+. Here’s to a year filled with growth, collaboration, and success.
Warm regards,
Alice Lin
President, CITAP+
Interview with CITAP+ RTO Member : Shan Tseng, NTS International Group
CITAP+ is pleased to introduce Shan Tseng, NTS International Group. Shan shares with us some professional insights, as well as a few tidbits from her personal life…
1. You have been working in tourism for many years with NTS International Group. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
The one thing that I find the most interesting about the industry is how dynamic it is. It’s something I enjoy quite a lot, but also drives me up the wall if I’m being honest! There are always new products out there that are being developed and optimized which is exciting. But then you have to think about how the consumers will receive the products too which is where the balancing act lies. Experiences are offered by people from all walks of life, so you always have a new story to hear with every adventure, and there’s always something for everyone!
2. What inspired you to become involved as a volunteer board member for CITAP+?
I love how connections are formed once you are on the board. There are lots of different personalities and experiences on the Board of Directors, so it’s important to me to learn and absorb what I can about the industry and figure out how to apply that to serve the CITAP+ membership as well as my own clients with NTS. Our tagline of Get Connected, Stay Connected has really held true for me, which inspires me to continue the work.
3. Outside of your board responsibilities, what hobbies or interests do you pursue that contribute to your leadership and creativity within our association?
This is an interesting question because when I think of “creativity”, I think of arts. I wouldn’t call myself a very artistic person, however, there are ways that creativity can be applied. What I mean by that is I try to take my learning outside of the board responsibilities and think about how to apply it to uplift and enhance the overall operation of CITAP+. For example, social media management is something that I am trying to implement for our organization so that we have a stronger digital presence to reach a wider audience.
4. Can you share a memorable travel experience that has shaped your perspective on tourism?
I learn something new from every FAM that shapes my perspective on tourism. There’s so much that goes in to product development and offerings. When I speak to my friends and peers outside of the industry, there’s a lot that is misunderstood or overlooked. It makes me appreciate our industry providers so much because I understand all that goes in to it. The FAMs have definitely been the most memorable.
5. It’s nearly summer in BC – what’s your favourite day/weekend trip? And if you could go anywhere else in Canada for a week vacation during the sunny season, where would you go?
I do have my favourites for day/weekend trips, with reasons that are a blend of nostalgia/personal favourites but also convenience. Trips up to Squamish are great in the summer as it’s full-on motorcycling season and it’s fun to see all the cool bikes going up and down the Sea-to-Sky Highway. But if it was anywhere else in Canada for a week, I would love to go somewhere I haven’t gone yet. I’ve yet to visit Tuktoyaktuk and touch the Arctic Ocean, or enjoyed the freshest lobster from Atlantic Canada. However… I’ve also had some of my most impactful moments from the hospitality industry by visiting small towns or bed & breakfasts like along Crowsnest Pass between BC & Alberta. I guess if I could design a week-long itinerary for myself, I would either choose to magically blend all the hidden secrets I loved from all across Canada, or do a whole new itinerary to show me more hidden secrets!
2024 CITAP+ Membership- Renew Now!
We come to you with a friendly reminder that if you have not renewed your CITAP+ membership for 2024, please do so promptly to ensure you do not miss any updates from us! We understand how difficult these last few years have been, but we want to ask for your support as we move forward in our industry’s recovery.
To renew your membership, simply follow these steps:
-Log in to your account on our website: https://citap.ca/my-account/.
If you have forgotten your password, please use the “lost your password” link to retrieve access to your account.
If there has been a change in personnel in your organization, please create a new profile online with your credentials when completing the checkout process.
-Once logged in, go to the “Become a Member” page, and add your respective membership to your cart to prompt the checkout process.
-Complete payment information.
Save the Dates! Upcoming CITAP+ Events 2024
Get ready for two exciting upcoming CITAP+ events! First up is the highly anticipated Hidi Nishi Golf Tournament, teeing off at Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course in Tsawwassen, BC on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Golf enthusiasts and industry professionals alike will gather for a day of friendly competition and networking against the stunning backdrop of British Columbia’s scenic landscapes.
And later in the year, mark your calendars for the Winter Function, set to take place in Richmond, BC at the luxurious River Rock Casino Resort Hotel on Tuesday, December 3rd. Stay tuned for more details on these premier events, promising unforgettable experiences and opportunities to connect within the tourism industry.
RTO Market Reports
Market updates are written by Receptive Tour Operator members and in this issue we have updates from the following markets: US, Mexico, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Enjoy their anecdotal assessment of each of our markets with a combination of overview, economy, and forecast. Read the full report on our Reports and Presentations page.
Members’ Corner
In this Members’ corner, our members have shared their latest updates with us. Click below to read!
Destination Bc – Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region
Doubletree Fallsview Resort & Spa By Hilton Niagara Falls
Canadian Inbound Tourism Association Plus (CITAP+) is committed to further developing Canada as the preferred destination for international inbound travellers. CITAP+ was established in 1997 by the leaders of our Receptive Tour Operators. Today, our membership has grown from coast to coast within Canada and the United States.
Photo Credit: Brad Kasselman, Coast Mountain Photography
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