Canada‑Japan Conference held in Niagara Falls

(Originally published in TOURISM)

The 11th edition of the Canada-Japan Tourism Conference (CJTC) was held at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel in Niagara Falls from September 5 to 7, 2007. According to Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) chair Charles Lapointe, the conference played a crucial role in fostering business ties with trading partners who currently account for 14% of Canada’s tourism revenue from the region.

“Events like this keep Canada on the minds of Japanese decision makers,” said Lapointe. “Increasing our market share in Japan is going to require that we work harder and more closely than ever before with our Japanese partners at all levels.”

Ontario and Niagara Falls submitted a very comprehensive proposal to lure the event, according to CTC representatives, who also noted the support of partners like the Niagara region, Sheraton on the Falls, Niagara Falls Tourism and the Niagara Parks Commission.

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership president and CEO Robin Garrett was thrilled to have Ontario host this year’s conference: "Japan is the #1 Asia‑Pacific market for Ontario. If you put that into perspective over all markets, it is second only to the UK. So it is a very, very important market for us.”

Themed Ahead of the Curve, this industry gathering was "an unparalleled opportunity to bring together leaders from both the Canadian and Japanese tourism industries," noted Lapointe. Since 1993, the event has strengthened tourism trade relations, sparked the innovation of new products, lowered trade barriers and provided an important forum for discussion and knowledge sharing.

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