Rendez-vous Canada (RVC+) is Canada’s signature travel marketplace, bringing together tourism operators and travel buyers like travel agents and tour operators, from throughout Canada and around the world. After missing 2020, the first ever virtual RVC+ took place from May 17-20.

Nova Scotia had 17 fantastic delegates this year, who hosted a total of 1,728 appointments with partners interested in what the province has to offer!
 
“I was heartened by how positive and optimistic operators seem to be for the future,” says Michele Bourgeois, Travel Trade & Meeting Services Specialist at Discover Halifax. “There was a lot of interest in the new developments happening in the region. I think operators were pleasantly surprised about the level of development and construction that’s been happening the past year - from new and renovated hotels to Queen’s Marque, and the infrastructure projects at Peggy’s Cove.” 

Michele noted increased interest from Canadian operators who are focusing more on domestic travel this year. 

Sean Buckland, Vice President of Business Development at Ambassatours, says RVC+ is an opportunity to strengthen existing business relationships and to build new relationships. Ambassatours had appointments at RVC+ that will translate into new business for the company. 

“The experience was excellent, and it was great to connect with past industry partners and meet new potential partners,” Sean says. “It is important to participate to ensure we connect with the group tour operators that frequent our province.” 

Richard Arnold, President of Atlantic Tours and Travel also met with new companies that he hadn’t met with in the past, which he found encouraging. He noted that it takes about two years to get from the initial meetings at RVC to seeing that business come through.

“The push at RVC this year was for 2022,” says Richard. “RVC, and really any marketplace, is a long-term strategy.”

Richard says it was important for Atlantic Canada tourism operators to be at RVC to keep the region top of mind.

“RVC is where we showcase Atlantic Canada to the world. It was especially important to be there this year to encourage partners to think about us and let them know that we are here for them and will be ready to roll when travel opens up.” 

Congratulations to all the delegates who represented Nova Scotia and thank you for working with us to make sure our province is a top choice for travellers when the time is right!