Taking Kamloops to the World: Highlights from Rendez-vous Canada 2026
From wildlife and outdoor adventure to culinary experiences and culture, Kamloops has a compelling story to tell international visitors. At Rendez-vous Canada 2026, Tourism Kamloops took that story to a global audience while gathering insights that can help local tourism businesses better prepare for future growth and travel trade opportunities.
Every year, Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) brings together tourism destinations, attractions, accommodations, and operators from across Canada with international tour operators, wholesalers, and travel advisors looking to build and expand Canadian travel itineraries.
This year's event, hosted in Toronto, welcomed over 500 buyers from 24 countries—more than 100 additional buyers compared to last year—making it one of the largest and most influential travel trade marketplaces in Canada.
Representing Tourism Kamloops at the event were Johnathan Clarkson and Jada Glen, who participated in the marketplace's fast-paced "speed dating" appointment format, meeting one-on-one with tour operators from around the world to showcase Kamloops and inspire future visitation. Over the course of the event, Tourism Kamloops conducted more than 80 appointments, sharing our destination story with travel trade partners seeking authentic Canadian experiences for their clients.
Kamloops Showed Up Strong
Kamloops was well represented throughout the marketplace, with participation from Tourism Kamloops, the BC Wildlife Park, TRAXX Transportation, and nine local accommodation partners.
The conversations reinforced what we've been hearing in international markets for several years: travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that connect them to nature, wildlife, local culture, and regional food and beverage offerings. For Kamloops, top areas of interest included:
- Wildlife experiences
- Outdoor recreation and hiking
- Cultural experiences
- Culinary and winery experiences
These strengths continue to position Kamloops well within the global travel marketplace.
Key Takeaways from Destination Canada
Throughout Rendez-vous Canada, Destination Canada shared several trends shaping the future of international travel to Canada. While markets and traveller preferences continue to evolve, five key themes emerged that are particularly relevant for tourism businesses in Kamloops.
International growth presents significant opportunity
While the United States remains Canada's largest visitor market, international visitation is expected to grow at nearly twice the rate of the U.S. market over the long term. Destinations that diversify their reach and build relationships in key overseas markets will be well positioned to benefit from this growth.
Authentic experiences are driving travel decisions
Travellers are increasingly seeking genuine, locally rooted experiences that connect them with a destination's people, culture, food, and natural landscapes. Experiences that tell a story and create meaningful connections continue to resonate across global markets.
Visitors are choosing destinations based on their passions
Rather than selecting a destination first, many travellers are planning trips around specific interests such as wildlife, hiking, Indigenous tourism, culinary experiences, wellness, and film-inspired travel. Businesses that clearly communicate what makes their experience unique can better connect with these travellers.
Market readiness matters more than ever
International visitors and travel trade partners expect tourism products to be easy to discover, easy to book, and operationally reliable. Clear information, consistent operating schedules, strong customer service, and online booking capabilities are increasingly essential for businesses looking to attract global visitors.
AI is changing how travellers discover destinations
Travellers are increasingly using AI-powered tools to research and build itineraries. Rather than searching for destinations alone, they are searching for complete travel experiences. Ensuring your business has accurate, detailed, and easily accessible online information will become increasingly important as AI continues to influence travel planning.
For Kamloops, these trends reinforce the importance of continuing to develop authentic visitor experiences, strengthening export readiness, and ensuring our destination story is easy to find, understand, and book. As Tourism Kamloops continues to build awareness in key international markets, local businesses that are market ready and aligned with traveller interests will be best positioned to benefit from future growth.
Interested in Travel Trade Opportunities?
Travel trade can be an effective way to reach international visitors and build long-term business opportunities, but success often requires understanding market readiness, distribution channels, pricing structures, and the needs of international operators.
If you're interested in learning more about working with the travel trade market and preparing your business to welcome visitors from around the world, Tourism Kamloops is here to help.
Connect with at Tourism Kamloops to learn more about travel trade opportunities, export readiness, and how your business can become part of future international itineraries.
