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CA

Transport Canada, Industry Canada, OECD, Brascan, Royal Lepage Relocation Services

Report Outlines New Opportunities for the Retail Travel Sector CALGARY, Alberta, October 9, 2002 Developing an electronic marketplace and establishing a national strategy to create opportunities and maximize investment are two of several suggestions being offered to Canada's travel agencies in a new report released today. Commissioned by Industry Canada, the report titled A Guide for the Canadian Retail Travel Services Industry New Strategies and Business Models addresses strategies for the industry to expand its markets and develop new revenue streams.

The study suggests that travel agents partner with related industry players in complementary businesses such as currency exchange, insurance, and cargo/freight forwarding. Combining efforts, traditional travel agencies could offer one-stop shopping for a variety of travel services. The report also articulates the economic value of selling Canada as a tourist destination, providing benefit to the retail travel industry and to Canada as a whole.

This report could not be more timely as travel agencies are adapting to a totally new environment, said Marc-Andr Charlebois, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). It provides concrete examples of ways that agencies can improve and enhance their business operations and open up new sources of revenue.

Based on an analysis of the latest business and information technology trends, the study outlines potential business opportunities for travel agencies through the use of the Internet, and the implementation of e-commerce principles. The suggestions echo the type of creative thinking and new approaches outlined in the Government of Canada's Innovation Strategy.

The travel and tourism industries are significant contributors to Canada's economic performance, said Industry Minister Allan Rock. The ability to innovate and deploy new technologies and processes will ensure the sector's continued success.

Written by Martin Taller of Trellis Consulting, the report says that the retail travel sector is in a time of transition, and seeks to provide a guide to developing a new business model.

To download a copy of this 78-page report, visit http: //strategis. ic. gc. ca/epic/internet/indsib-tour. nsf/en/qq00019e. html. ACTA is the national trade association for Canada's 5000 travel agencies, which employ over 28 000 people in communities all across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations Industry Canada (613) 943-2502

Selena Beattie Office of Allan Rock Minister of Industry (613) 995-9001

Louise Crandall ACTA (613) 786-0253

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Date Modified: 2004-12-16 Important Notices

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