FEDERAL politicians announced a new national tourism strategy at a press conference at North Vancouver's Capilano Suspension Bridge Thursday morning.
Speaking to a small crowd of onlookers, North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton and other representatives said the initiative would co-ordinate the efforts of 15 federal departments and agencies to help boost revenue for the tourism industry across the country.
The plan, laid out in broad terms in a glossy 57page brochure, aims to raise Canada's profile abroad, facilitate movement of travellers across the border "while ensuring the safety and integrity of Canada's borders," encourage investment in tourism assets and foster "an adequate supply of skills and labour to enhance visitor experiences through quality service and hospitality."
The strategy won't cost anything beyond what the various government departments were already given in this year's budget, he said.
It does not include any new federal dollars earmarked specifically for the North Shore.
