Harper Government Seeks to Attract More Indian Travellers to Canada in 2013

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 25, 2013) - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), is leading a Canadian delegation to New Delhi and Jaipur this week to promote Canada as a destination of choice for Indian travellers.

"Canada and India have long-standing bilateral relations, built upon shared values of democracy and pluralism, and strong people-to-people links," said Minister of State Bernier. "Our relations are strengthened through travel, trade, education and immigration, which encourage mutual respect and understanding."

India's middle class is experiencing impressive growth in terms of both size and wealth. As India is one of the world's fastest-growing outbound travel markets, it presents enormous potential for Canada's tourism market. In recent years, Indian travellers have been among the top ten international travellers to visit Canada.

"As market share for tourism becomes more competitive internationally, our government is working to position Canada's tourism industry to seize new opportunities in emerging markets like India," said Minister of State Bernier. "We are working with industry to welcome even more Indian travellers this year to create jobs and growth in Canada, while deepening our relationship with our Indian visitors."

Minister of State Bernier will be accompanied by David Goldstein, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada; Janice Price, Chair, Festivals and Major Events Canada; Michael Hannan, President, Brewster Inc.; Marilyn Bell, Executive Director, Tour and Wholesale, Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtels; Gopal Rao, Regional General Manager, South West Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group; Arun Pandeya, General Manager-India, Air Canada; and Michele McKenzie, President and CEO, Canadian Tourism Commission.

During his visit, the Minister of State will meet with representatives from the Indian government and with Indian and Canadian tourism operators to build on the Harper Government's commitment under Canada's Federal Tourism Strategy to increase awareness of Canada as a premier tourism destination while seeking to reduce barriers to international travel for our visitors.

Photos of the Minister of State's tourism mission to New Delhi and Jaipur will be available in the Photo Gallery on the Industry Canada website.