This month the Binational Tourism Alliance is hosting its 2 nd Annual Binational Tourism Summit, March 4 to 6, 2007, at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel & Conference Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The Summit focuses on the challenges that binational regions face, the solutions currently available and new opportunities for cross-border business collaboration. The event provides industry leaders and stakeholders with the forum to address these issues and reposition cross-border communities as North America’s leading economic regions.
The Summit kicks off Sunday evening March 4 with an Opening Reception co-hosted by the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo and U.S. Consulate in Toronto. The following Binational Star Award winners for 2006 will be honored for their demonstrated binational leadership, cross-border cooperation, understanding and partnership-building:
- Ontario Minister of Tourism, Jim Bradley – Political Leader
- Maid of the Mist – Private Sector
- Kenan Center – Cultural Organization
- Victor Shanchuk Jr. – Frontline/Volunteer
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada will provide opening remarks Monday morning at the plenary session on WHTI, NEXUS, Border Security and Canada/U.S. relations.
Keynote speakers include Donald Ziraldo, Co-Founder of Inniskillin Wines and Professor Edward Friel, Expert in Residence at Niagara University.
Concurrent session speakers from across Canada and the U.S. will share information and insights on:
- WHTI, NEXUS, Border Security and Canada/U.S. Relations
- Tourism, Cultural and Economic Development in other Binational Regions
- A New Binational Transportation Strategy for Niagara
- Emerging Global Trends in Marketing, Product & Destination Development
- Changing Approaches to Tourism, Cultural and Community Advocacy
- New Binational Leadership and Cultural Tourism Training
- Current Binational Research and Investment in Cross-Border Regions
- Cross-Border Niche Market Developments in the Culinary, Culture, Heritage and Sports Sectors
- Innovative Binational Marketing with Media and Travel Trade
- Planning for Binational Celebrations: The Plans Underway for War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebrations
New components for 2007 include:
- The Binational Trade Show
- The Binational Cornucopia Food and Wine Event showcasing the culinary talents of the Niagara Culinary Institute at Niagara College, Buffalo State College Hospitality & Tourism Catering and the Chautauqua Culinary Center
The Binational Tourism Summit is just one of the annual programs offered by the Binational Tourism Alliance, established in 2004 to deliver cross-border tourism advocacy, training and communications.
Complete Summit details and registration information are available at www.btapartners.com or by calling 1-888-333-1987
