Rob with recipients of the Hall of Fame Awards

Minister Rob Moore speaks at the Hotel Association of Canada's Sixth Annual Hall of Fame Awards

February 3, 2009 -- Toronto, Ontario -- Today in Toronto, the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism spoke at the sixth annual Hall of Fame Awards at the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Conference Opening Reception.

Minister Moore addressed almost 300 HAC audience members, including independent hotel owners, general managers and senior level executives from corporate branded hotels.

"Our government is helping to make Canadian tourism more innovative, attractive and competitive on the world stage," said Minister Moore. "The Federal Tourism Strategy will help strengthen the development and long-term competitiveness of the tourism sector and will come as part of the government's comprehensive plan to brand Canada as a top international travel destination."

Through the Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has made substantial investments to stimulate the tourism industry, including: $25 million for the National Recreation Trail Coalition; $40 million in additional funding to the Canadian Tourism Commission for greater domestic and international marketing; $100 million to increase the international reach of marquee tourism events; and $150 million to enhance visitor experience in Canada's National Parks.

In June 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper also announced the development of a Federal Tourism Strategy, and the federal government has committed to work with its provincial and territorial counterparts to work toward a new national tourism revenue target of $100 billion by 2015.

Rob Moore is the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism and the MP for Fundy Royal.

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William Spisso
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, MP (Fundy Royal)
Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism
(613) 996-2316