Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), (Vancouver, BC) – On July 1, 2024, Ryan Rogers, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s (ITAC’s) Communications Manager, attended the British Guild of Travel Writers’ (BGTW) “Chill with Canada” event. Hosted by Destination Canada’s UK team in the heart of London, this gathering coincided with Canada Day, offering a unique blend of celebration and professional networking.
The BGTW, renowned for representing top UK travel writers, editors, freelancers, and influencers, has experienced a transformation in recent years. With a fresh influx of younger board members and ambitious, emerging writers, the organization is vibrant and forward-thinking. This event exemplified this new spirit, attracting approximately 75 travel media representatives alongside PTMO industry members.
The event was designed to foster interactive networking. Each media representative had the opportunity to engage with every industry member through a fun and engaging trivia challenge. Participants could enter a draw to win exciting prizes by answering questions, including a custom The Original Original blanket from Makatew Workshops in Ottawa, Ontario. This innovative approach ensured that conversations were educational and meaningful.
For ITAC, the event presented an invaluable opportunity to connect with UK travel writers and share intriguing story ideas about Indigenous tourism experiences. The UK remains one of the top markets for Indigenous tourism in Canada, and engaging with such an aligned group of professionals allowed for the exchange of fresh perspectives and the promotion of new and noteworthy tourism offerings. This collaboration is set to spark interest and inspire compelling narratives that highlight the richness of Indigenous culture and tourism in Canada.
The “Chill with Canada” event underscores the power of collaboration and storytelling. Through collaborative events like these, ITAC continues to strengthen its relationships with international travel media, showcasing the unique and diverse Indigenous tourism experiences that Canada has to offer. Moreover, the association thanks Destination Canada for the excellent opportunity to attend “Chill with Canada” and to market authentic Indigenous tourism experiences available on Destination Indigenous.