NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Anthony Pollard, President
Hotel Association of Canada
Tel: (613) 237-7149
Cell: (613) 850-1685
pollard@hotelassociation.ca

HAC Applauds Federal Tourism Strategy Framework

For Immediate Release:

June 5, 2009, Ottawa -- The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) congratulates Prime Minister
Stephen Harper and Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism Diane Ablonczy on the
new Federal Tourism Strategy Framework. The announcement was made yesterday at a meeting
with tourism leaders including HAC President Tony Pollard and Tourism Industry Association of
Canada (TIAC) President Randy Williams.

The Federal Tourism Strategy seeks to broaden access to, and awareness of, Canadian tourist
attractions. Such a strategy will ultimately benefit the industry and its thousands of employees.

“We congratulate the Prime Minister for taking this initiative,” stated Pollard. “This Framework
will improve the coordination of tourism products and services and certainly enhance Canada as a
destination at home and abroad.”

The framework will address the following priorities:

ƒ Encourage product development and investments in Canadian tourism assets and

products;
ƒ Facilitate ease of access and movement for travellers, while ensuring the safety and
integrity of Canadian borders;
ƒ Increase awareness of Canada as a premier tourist destination, including federal tourism
assets; and
ƒ Foster an adequate supply of skills and labour to enhance visitor experiences through
quality service and hospitality.

The Federal Tourism Strategy is a component of the government’s Economic Action Plan.
Announced as part of the 2009 Federal Budget, the plan includes:

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130 Albert St., Suite 1206 Ottawa, ON Tel: (613) 237-7149 Fax: (613) 237-8928 www.hotelassociation.ca
HAC Applauds Federal Tourism Strategy HAC News Release: June 5, 2009

ƒ $40 million over 2 years to the Canadian Tourism Commission for domestic and
international marketing;
ƒ $100 million over 2 years for the Marquee Tourism Events Program;
ƒ $100 million over 2 years for Parks Canada and its National Historic Sites;
ƒ $25 million over two years to expand Canada’s trails network; and
ƒ A 2-year fee freeze at national parks and national historic sites managed by Parks
Canada.

The Hotel Association of Canada is the national organization representing the lodging industry in
Canada. Our membership encompasses the provincial and territorial hotel associations, the
corporate hotel chains, independent hotels, motels and resorts and the many suppliers to the hotel
industry. Our objective is to assist both our national and international members as they endeavour
to enhance their competitiveness and achieve their bottom line.

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130 Albert St., Suite 1206 Ottawa, ON Tel: (613) 237-7149 Fax: (613) 237-8928 www.hotelassociation.ca