With over 1,500 participants from 29 countries, this international event, considered the "Olympic Games" of the tourism industry, will provide outstanding visibility for the Capitale-Nationale region while generating major spin-offs for Québec as a whole.
The event, which runs until June 2, is organized by Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, with crucial support from Québec's minister of tourism, Caroline Proulx, and the minister responsible for infrastructure and for the Capitale-Nationale region, Jonatan Julien. RVC will help forge commercial partnerships that will raise the profile of Québec attractions and tourism experiences across Canada and around the world. It will serve to showcase the expertise of local tourism businesses and artisan producers and highlight the strength of the Bonjour Québec brand.
In 2019, Québec's tourism industry contributed over $16.4 billion to the province's economy, including over $4 billion in new spending by international tourists. The tourism industry comprises more than 25,000 businesses generating over 400,000 jobs; in terms of collective wealth creation, it is Québec's third-largest export sector.
RVC 2023 by the numbers
1977: Rendez-Vous Canada has been an annual event since 1977, and 2023 marks the seventh time it has been held in Québec.
1,500 participants, including over 580 Canadian vendors and nearly 400 qualified buyers and media representatives from 29 countries.
8,000 overnight stays (approximately) in Québec City-area hotels.
Ten familiarization tours in Québec's regions.
Nine guided and self-guided tours of Québec City and the surrounding area, showcasing 29 tourism businesses.
Over $3.6 million in direct economic spin-offs (estimated).
Over $90 million in long-term economic spin-offs for the broader industry (estimated).
"Our National Capital is the perfect venue for hosting a high-profile event, such as Rendez-vous Canada. Québec distinguishes itself by the quality of its facilities and accommodation capacity. It gives me great pleasure to welcome this major event for the Canada-wide tourism industry. This is an outstanding opportunity to showcase the best that Québec has to offer to the vendors and buyers who will be in attendance. By shining a light on our regions, tourist attractions and the warm welcome of Quebecers, Rendez-vous Canada will be helping generate economic benefits for all our regions and enriching our communities thanks to tourism,” says Caroline Proulx, ministre du tourisme et ministre responsable de la région de Lanaudière