Canada jumps in world tourism rankings

Canada overtook the US to move from ninth to fifth place

Canada overtook the US to move from ninth to fifth place in The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009 released this month by the World Economic Forum. Canada’s high ranking is the result of “excellent” natural and cultural resources, the world’s top-ranked air infrastructure system and the business community’s consensus that the Canadian government is making a concerted effort to promote tourism overseas, according to the report.

“The report reflects the positive impact of the government’s increased support for tourism,” says Greg Klassen, Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) vice president of Marketing. “It’s also significant for the investment community that Canada is recognized as a great place to develop tourism infrastructure.”

Switzerland, Austria and Germany topped the list again, while France jumped from 10th place to fourth in the new ranking. The United States dropped from seventh to eighth.

The World Economic Forum interviewed 13,000 executives around the world, including 79 Canadians. The organization weighed a variety of factors making countries attractive for tourism developers, including transport and tourism infrastructure, regulations, access to labour, safety and security, government tourism policy and natural and cultural resources.

Canada was particularly recognized for its resources—both natural and cultural. Canada has a reputation of offering access to spectacular natural beauty and also has nine natural sites recognized by the United Nations as World Heritage Sites.

Source: CTC news staff (18/03/09) & the Travel Alberta web editors

Kicking Horse, Canada

Here is some information about a resort which receives plenty of publicity regarding the incredible ski terrain offered, but little about what the summer months offer: Kicking Horse, Canada.

Kicking Horse Mountain Ski Resort offers some of the best ski vertical in the winter time with is famed “champagne powder” which is light fluffy snow (the stuff making snowballs out of is difficult). I have been up to my waste in this stuff, and you can still move easily! In the winter time, many use the Kicking Horse Powder Express to experience this ski resort from Banff and Lake Louise or you can stay right on the mountain.

Lets look at what the summer offers as we are finding more and more guests are now including Kicking Horse in their Rocky Mountain summer holiday itinerary.

Kicking Horse, Canada

? The Kicking Horse Summer Gondola. Another gondola?! This one is worth it too as there is an almost 100% you will see a grizzly bear at the top! Boo, the resident grizzly bear, lives in the largest grizzly bear reserve IN THE WORLD. There are day tours from Banff to Kicking Horse which actually guarantee the Grizzly sighting or you get to go on the tour again for FREE!

? Hiking and Mountain Biking. There are trails from the top of the gondola to make things easier for you – downhill all the way!

? Rafting. There are several White-Water Rafting trips available on the Kicking Horse River. Most tours include a mouth-watering BBQ lunch on the riverside.

? Jet Boating. Jet boating on the Kicking Horse Lower Canyon and Columbia River can also be easily integrated into any Rocky Mountain summer holiday package. This tour is usually combined with a rafting trip for additional package savings.

? Wolf Centre. See these beautiful animals up close and learn about their struggles against humans.

? Golfing. There is plenty of golfing to be had and the rates are fraction of comparable other resort golf courses. Tee times are easy to secure and can be included into a discounted Rocky Mountain Holiday package.

? Fishing. Nearby lakes located out of National or Provincial Park boundaries can be visited in a day. Permits are still required.

? Accommodation. Kicking Horse accommodation in the summer is very reasonably priced. There is on-mountain accommodation which certainly will not disappoint.

To ask how to incorporate Kicking Horse, Canada into your Rocky Mountain Holiday, just contact a Rocky Mountain Holiday specialist who can create your customised itinerary.

Any questions or suggestions about Kicking Horse, Canada? Visit KickingHorseCanada.com or post your comments on this Canadian Rockies Blog.

Information provided by: RockyMountainHolidays.com