Media Release
Tourism Winnipeg Celebrates Tourism Week and Invites Locals to Rediscover Their City
June 3, 2011: Winnipeg, MB – Discover secret histories, go on a romantic getaway and visit some of the best tourist spots in Canada, and never leave the city to do it! The week of June 6-12 marks National Tourism Week, a Canada-wide celebration that highlights the economic impact and social benefits of Canada's tourism sector.
“Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, says Marina James, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. “We get more than 2.6 million visitors every year generating an estimated $481 million dollars in spending. That has a tremendous impact on our city.”
In honour of this week, Tourism Winnipeg is inviting locals and the media to rediscover their city and explore some unique spots they may have never heard of.
“This is a great opportunity to get off the couch and take a vacation without the hassle. Look at your city through a visitor’s eyes as there are a lot of things to do right in our backyard,” says Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, senior vice president of Tourism Winnipeg. “Become a tourist in your own city and discover why Winnipeg is Canada’s best kept secret!”
Tourism Winnipeg has compiled some unique story ideas to help uncover some of the city’s hidden gems.
Monday, June 6: Discover the secrets behind the Manitoba Legislature and learn about the mystical aspects of its architecture during a special media tour of the Hermetic Code. The tour is based on Frank Albo’s bestselling book and uncovers a trail of occult clues, hidden hieroglyphic inscriptions, numerological codes, and Freemasonic symbols so intelligently masked they have escaped historians and visitors for nearly a hundred years. Tour starts at 8:45 am at the Manitoba Legislature. Contact: Don Finkbeiner, Heartland Travel, 795-2363
Tuesday, June 7: Every summer, the gardens of Assiniboine Park burst with colour and life. Explore the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, English Gardens and Formal Gardens and discover works of art both made by man and nature in its corners. While you’re there explore the duck pond, brand new adventure playground, and see what’s coming next at the zoo when the polar bears head south. Contact: Kevin Hunter, Assiniboine Park, 927-6019
Wednesday, June 8: The grade 5 class at Brock Corydon School (1510 Corydon Avenue) loves Winnipeg. This year, the class has been embarking on a year-long study of Winnipeg and everything it has to offer. Visit the classroom and speak to some of Winnipeg’s smallest and most proud ambassadors. Contact: Susan Pereles, Brock Corydon School, 489-4558
Thursday, June 9: Explore the city’s French Quarter and area’s rich culture with Riel Tours during a special media tour at 10:30 am. The area is home to the largest French-Canadian community west of the Great Lakes, a community rich and alive with cultural traditions, crafts, food, song and history. Media should meet at Old St. Boniface City Hall at 219 Provencher Boulevard. Contact: Michelle Gervais, O Tours, 254-3170.
Friday, June 10: Winnipeg is a city of romance—when you know where to look. Discover how to woo your loved one and book a romantic weekend away from it all at one of the city’s luxurious hotels. Take your heart’s desire to the spa and indulge in some pampering. Then whisk them away on a gourmet getaway at one of the city’s most elegant restaurants. Contact: Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, Tourism Winnipeg, 954-1987.
See the attached fact sheet for more information on how tourism benefits our economy. For more ideas on what to see and do in Winnipeg, visit our website at www.tourismwinnipeg.com.
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About Tourism Winnipeg
Tourism Winnipeg is the city’s official destination marketing organization. Our mission is to facilitate a healthy, prosperous, responsible and fully-integrated tourism industry that enhances the city of Winnipeg’s economic growth, increases overnight visitation and delivers the best possible visitor experience.
For further information contact:
Nisha Tuli
Manger, Communications and Media Relations
Tourism Winnipeg
P: 204.954.1977
nisha@tourismwinnipeg.com
www.tourismwinnipeg.com
Become our fan on Facebook: facebook.com/VisitWinnipeg
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TourismWPG
