Tourism Winnipeg

6 2019 Destination Marketing Plan and Partnership Opportunities Introduction In its Spring 2018 Metropolitan Travel Outlook, the Conference Board of Canada is forecasting an approximately two per cent increase in overall overnight visits to the Winnipeg Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) over the medium term. Domestic overnight business travel to Winnipeg is expected to increase 2.2 per cent in 2018 and continue to grow at a similar rate over the medium term in 2019 and 2020. Business travel in 2019 will be strengthened in Winnipeg by hosting ten citywide conventions with more than 7,000 delegates. The Conference Board also estimates overnight domestic leisure travel to the Winnipeg CMA will increase 3.1 per cent in 2018 and 1.8 per cent in 2019. U.S. visitation and overseas overnight visitation will see a lift of just under five per cent in 2018. For 2019, U.S. overnight visitation is expected to see a moderate growth of 2.9 per cent. In contrast, overseas travel is projected to grow 5.6 per cent over the same time period. Total Winnipeg visitor spending in 2018 is estimated to reach a record 1.0 billion, which includes a forecasted 6.2 per cent increase over 2017, with travel prices seeing a modest increase of 2.2 per cent. Visitor spending is expected to grow annually during the medium term between four and five per cent while travel price increases are expected in the range of 2.2 per cent. New developments over the medium term will benefit future tourism and continue to raise Winnipeg's profile as a travel destination. These developments include the Winnipeg Art Gallery's $65-million Inuit Art Centre, the Assiniboine Park's $70-million Canada's Diversity Gardens exhibit (the final phase of its 10-year, $200-million 'Imagine a Place' redevelopment) and the $400-million True North Square development (including a hotel and retail space). Tourism Outlook Mission To promote and influence economic growth in Winnipeg. Purpose To operate the foremost economic development agency by successfully competing to win business investment and to attract tourism in and around Winnipeg. Vision To ensure Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. is recognized as a leader, nationally and internationally, in stimulating economic growth for the city of Winnipeg. Mandate EDW strives to lead, facilitate and promote Winnipeg's economic development and tourism development efforts. Tourism Winnipeg Tourism Winnipeg, a key division within Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., is the city's destination marketing organization. It is responsible for attracting new tourism business to Winnipeg and increasing overnight visitations to the city through a vast array of collaborative initiatives with industry and partners. Tourism Winnipeg's core services and initiatives include: » Lead destination sales and marketing » Attract meetings and conventions, sports and special events, travel trade and leisure travel » Leverage partnership opportunities » Collaborate with industry, acting as an industry advocate and liaison » Provide visitor services » Maximize information and research management » Deliver effective communications and media relations Mike Peters

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