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2016 TRAVEL TRADE PLANNER Winnipeg World-class Winnipeg In case you haven't heard, National Geographic Traveler Magazine has named Winnipeg one of the top 20 best cities to see in the world in 2016. Let me show you why. For starters, our newest attractions have all received international acclaim along with numerous awards and accolades. This past fall the Journey to Churchill at Assiniboine Park Zoo became the first Canadian zoo to win Top Honours from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for exhibition design. And while this was huge news, it should come as no surprise to the tens of thousands of visitors who have experienced breathtaking nose-to- nose encounters with swimming polar bears at the zoo, where even adults cannot contain their tears of joy. The Journey to Churchill has only gotten better with two adorable new rescued polar bear cubs joining our seven regular resident bears. Plus, there are our movie star wolves (who were in The Grey along with Liam Neeson), muskox, snowy owls, seals, and other majestic animals that call the world's most expansive Arctic exhibit their home. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR), Canada's newest national museum, hit new heights in 2015. Over 400 thousand visitors made the journey through its inspirational exhibits, while it won 24 international, national and regional awards. Australia's Travel.com sited the CMHR as one of the seven best looking buildings in Canada, while Travel and Leisure magazine called it "one of the top five coolest destinations in the world." These two new attractions have joined our roster of cultural institutions — like Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre — that have been garnering praise for decades. With all this new recognition Winnipeggers — who have always been known for their hospitality and innovation — have taken extra pride in the city creating new, entertaining and insightful tours, events and festivals that celebrate everything from our stately architecture to our acclaimed dining, arts and design scene. This planner is brimming with itinerary ideas, free group activities, supplier profiles and maps. It's a collaborative effort on the part of hoteliers, attractions, events and receptive operators — all of whom want to work with you to create an exceptional experience in our city. On behalf of Tourism Winnipeg, the city's official destination marketing and tourism organization let me be your guide to help you plan your next tour to Winnipeg. I look forward to seeing you soon, Natalie Thiesen 300-259 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB Canada R3B 2A9 PHONE: 204.954.1978 TOLL FREE: 1.855.PEG.CITY EMAIL: natalie@tourismwinnipeg.com www.tourismwinnipeg.com Assiniboine Park: Assiniboine Park Conservancy