Canada: Authentically Aboriginal – International Meetings Review

Groups using Vancouver, British Columbia, as meeting destination report attendance increases of five to 15 percent. This popular, multi-cultural, harbourside city is a dynamic business centre set amid old growth forest and snow-capped mountains.

Among the newest amenities Vancouver offers corporate groups and associations is a truly authentic and unique service provided by Aboriginal Travel Services (ATS). With 75 percent of revenues coming from the group market, ATS understands planners’ needs. Owned by First Nations’ people, vice-president Scott Roberts says, “Many of our requests come as a result of clients wanting an ‘Aboriginal add-on’ to an existing pre- or post-program agenda. In the lower mainland there are approximately 20 such opportunities within close driving distance. They range from authentic Aboriginal restaurants, canoe excursions, dance performances, cultural centres, museums, accommodations to guided hiking on traditional First Nations’ territory.”

Read more: http://www.internationalmeetingsreview.com/canada/canada-authentically-aboriginal-99316