Destination Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) entered into a partnership, marking a significant step forward in the promotion and development of tourism across over 2,100 communities in Canada. This collaboration seeks to harness the collective community of leaders, constituents, and strategic partners to recognize tourism development.
“Collectively, the tourism sector needs to have the trust and respect of all the peoples of Canada so they welcome tourism into their communities and want to invest in its growth,” Marsha Walden, president, and CEO, of Destination Canada, said in a press release.
The FCM, representing 92% of the Canadian population, serves as the national voice of municipal government and plays a crucial role in community development and operations nationwide. The three-year partnership aims to showcase the economic, social, and environmental benefits of the visitor economy to one of Canada’s most influential advocacy bodies. This initiative is set to establish joint programs that will support the mandates of both Destination Canada and the FCM.
“This new partnership with FCM is an important step to advance our sector, and our work with partners to reach beyond the tourism ecosystem. It will help place residents’ interests at the heart of tourism development throughout the country to balance the visitor experience and resident quality of life,” Walden said.
Key to this partnership is the emphasis on broad, continuous engagement with FCM members across various platforms. This strategy aims to enhance awareness of Destination Canada’s role and cultivate a stronger network of leaders, champions, and forward thinkers in different sectors to drive tourism, destination development, and stewardship sustainably over the long term.
“Tourism is a significant economic driver for many municipalities from coast to coast, contributing to the socio-cultural and environmental well-being of our communities,” Carole Saab, CEO, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, said.
This partnership represents a strategic alignment of goals between Destination Canada and the FCM, focusing on educating and engaging municipal leaders in tourism-related opportunities and challenges.
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