Beth Potter and Marsha Walden led Rendez‑Vous Canada 2025 in Winnipeg, advancing Canada’s tourism future with global partners and bold initiatives.
Visionary Leadership Unites Global Tourism in Winnipeg
Beth Potter, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), and Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada, jointly led Rendez‑Vous Canada 2025 (RVC 2025) — the country’s flagship tourism marketplace — held from July 21 to 24 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The summit convened hundreds of Canadian tourism businesses and global buyers for pivotal discussions on shaping the industry’s future.
Defining the Agenda for Tourism Recovery and Growth
The annual event served as a strategic platform for rebuilding global travel relationships and reinforcing Canada’s competitive edge. Under Potter and Walden’s leadership, the agenda emphasized sustainable tourism, Indigenous partnerships, and post-pandemic growth strategies. The event featured over 50,000 pre-scheduled appointments, facilitating new business development and long-term collaboration.
Winnipeg Sets the Stage for Tourism Innovation
Chosen for its cultural vibrancy and central location, Winnipeg played host to over 1,500 delegates, representing all provinces and territories. With venues like the RBC Convention Centre and local cultural attractions, the city spotlighted its growing tourism infrastructure, reinforcing its importance in Canada’s national travel strategy.
A Strong Signal of International Reconnection
The 2025 edition of RVC marked one of the largest in-person gatherings for the industry since the pandemic, signaling a renewed commitment to international tourism engagement. International buyers from over 25 countries attended, exploring Canadian experiences ranging from Arctic adventures to culinary tourism.
Why This Summit Matters for Canada’s Future
With tourism contributing over $40 billion annually to Canada’s economy, the leadership of Potter and Walden at RVC 2025 emphasized the need for innovation and inclusivity. Their advocacy for climate-conscious travel and stronger digital tools for small tourism operators reflects a clear pivot toward resilience and modernization.
How Collaboration Is Driving Momentum Forward
By facilitating direct dialogue between Canadian suppliers and international markets, RVC 2025 enabled the kind of collaboration that fuels long-term industry growth. Initiatives launched during the summit — including a national data-sharing project and new international marketing campaigns — illustrate how Potter and Walden are championing a unified, forward-looking tourism sector.
MapleNewswire.ca will continue coverage as the tourism sector implements outcomes from RVC 2025 and tracks national progress toward sustainable, inclusive growth.
