Indian visitors to Canada rose by 11 percent in 2016: Destination Canada
Speaking IBNS-NotinTown on the sidelines of the recently concluded GoMedia Canada 2016, Destination Canada Chief Marketing Officer Jon Mamela said the Indian market is growing for Canada.
"There is 11 percent rise in visitors from India in 2016 as against 2015. We now have direct Air Canada flight to India [New Delhi]," he said.
Mamela said they are targeting visitors who are affluent Indians looking for a great holiday.
He said there are many indications that the Indian market is going to grow. "China has five times more visitors though," he said, adding that they are happy with the rise in visitors from India.
Montreal hosted the GoMedia Canada in 2016
Mamela said while granting of visa is not in the hand of Destination Canada, they are working with the consulates and till Oct middle there were some 1,54,000 arrivals to Canada in 2016 till August.
Every year Canada hosts a big even called GoMedia Canada to pitch to journalists,bloggers, writers the heart and soul of Canadian storytelling.
The annual event connects top Canadian and international travel media and influencers with provincial, territorial and regional Canadian tourism organizations, major hotel properties, attractions and transportation companies.
Hosted by a different Canadian destination each year, the marketplace features one-to-one meetings, pre/post and regional tours, professional development opportunities and networking events.
Mamela said 2017 is the 150th birthday of Canada and "it is a great opportunity for us."
"We invite you to come and celebrate with us. There are events throughout the year in national capital Ottawa and other parts of Canada," he said.
While Canada targets well heeled Indians, they are also happy to welcome the millennial generation young travellers, he said.
Montreal in fall colours as it hosts the GoMedia event
According to Destination Canada, 8.5 million traveller came to Canada in the summer of 2016 to explore the country.
According to the figures by Destination Canada, the arrival of Indian visitor to Canada in August 2016 was 26,800 as against 22,775 in the corresponding month in 2015.
(Reporting by Sujoy Dhar)
A musical program at the closing ceremony of GoMedia Canada
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