With Toronto set to host this year’s edition of Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) on May 24, Canadian tourism’s premier international tourism marketplace for the travel trade has already announced that RVC 2023 will take place in Québec City next year May 30-June 2.

“In 2020, we indicated that the cancellation of Rendez-vous Canada in our destination was only a postponement. So, we are happy to welcome this grandiose and major event for the tourism industry in 2023,” says Robert Mercure, GM of Destination Québec cité. “In addition to providing a memorable immersion in an authentic French-speaking culture, Destination Québec cité invites travel professionals from around the world and members of the Canadian tourism industry to be surprised by the different personalities and accents of Quebec City. Mark your calendar in 2023!”

“For over 45 years, this signature event has shined a spotlight on Canada’s remarkable destinations, connecting international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses. Delegates will create meaningful connections supporting the recovery of Canada’s tourism sector in the years ahead, driving prosperity back into local businesses and their communities,” says Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada, which co-hosts the tradeshow in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

“Hosting an event of the importance of Rendez-vous Canada demonstrates to what extent the Québec industry is ready to reach new heights and distinguish itself in the new reality of international tourism,” says Martin Soucy, CEO of Alliance Touristique, which represents the province’s tourism industry.

“We’re thrilled to once again collaborate with Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada on Rendez-vous Canada 2023,” adds Keith Henry, President and CEO of Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. “Events like Rendez-vous Canada ensure Indigenous tourism is top of mind among Canada’s key international industry leaders and are vital to the successful recovery of the Indigenous tourism industry at large.”

The news of Québec City’s official host city sponsorship of Rendez-vous Canada 2023 is coming just as this year’s edition of the tradeshow swings into Toronto from May 24 to 27.

“As we get set to welcome guests from across Canada and around the world to RVC+ 2022 this year, I know that many in our global industry will already be thinking of where-to, next,” says Beth Potter, President & CEO of TIAC. “It’s been a challenging two years and being able to see each other again and do business together is wonderful.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was made up of 225,000 small- and medium-sized businesses, provided one in 10 Canadian jobs across Canada, and accounted for $105 billion in GDP. Events such as Rendez-vous Canada will help the sector rebuild by showcasing the country and bringing international buyers back.

Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism in Québec welcomed the news, “Saying ‘bonjour’ is more than a word or an invitation – it’s our DNA and it’s an authentic way for us to express a unique symbol of our French-speaking culture in North America.”