BC Takes Its Largest Delegation to Canada’s Global Tourism Marketplace

222 BC tourism businesses are connecting with the world at Rendez-vous Canada 2026 in Toronto.

Every year, Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) brings together international travel buyers and media from across the globe with Canada’s tourism sellers, for one purpose: to build the partnerships that bring travelers to our communities, supporting our tourism economy. For Destination BC, RVC is more than a trade show. It’s a valuable tool for BC tourism businesses to showcase what makes our province stand out on the world stage. 

What Is Rendez-vous Canada? 

RVC is Canada’s signature international tourism marketplace, co-produced by Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). For nearly 50 years, it has connected international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses, creating opportunities that reach communities from coast to coast to coast. 

This year’s event takes place May 26 to 29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Appointments are just 10 minutes each, which means more meetings, more connections, and more opportunities for BC’s sellers. Think speed dating for tourism sellers and buyers! 

BC’s Presence at RVC 2026 

Destination BC is leading a delegation of 222 tourism sellers to RVC 2026, making BC the second largest provincial team at the event (just behind Ontario’s 223). These businesses represent the incredible diversity of BC’s tourism economy: Indigenous-led eco-tours, family-owned mountain resorts, coastal expedition companies, sustainable hotels, world-renowned gardens, and much more. 

They’ll be meeting with over 500 international buyers from 24 countries, including representatives from Destination BC’s key markets: UK, Germany, Australia, China, US, and Mexico. Every meeting is an opportunity to turn a conversation into a booking, and a booking into a visitor exploring communities across the province. 

Spotlight on Our Accelerator Graduates 

This year, we’re especially proud to welcome BC businesses attending RVC for the very first time, all graduates of Destination BC’s BC Accelerator Program. 

Held in Kelowna in October 2025, the Accelerator was a first-of-its-kind pilot that brought together 40 BC tourism sellers and 40 international buyers for two days of hands-on travel trade training, marketplace appointments, and experiential learning. With funding support from PacifiCan, the program was designed to help tourism businesses move from market-ready to export-ready, meaning businesses are ready to work directly with international travel trade partners. 

Their participation in RVC is proof that investing in tourism businesses creates real results. From a training room in Kelowna to the world stage in Toronto, these operators are ready to share their experiences with international markets. 

RVC is a cornerstone of how this industry grows. The relationships built at this event lead directly to international bookings, itinerary development, increased visitation, and revenue generation. 

This year carries added significance as British Columbia prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Vancouver. Our presence at RVC gives international buyers a preview of what awaits, and positions BC as a destination worth exploring well beyond the stadium. 

Why This Matters  

Tourism is one of British Columbia’s most dynamic and growing industries. In 2024, the sector generated $23 billion in revenue and contributed nearly $8 billion to provincial GDP, more than forestry and logging, agriculture and fishing, and mining. Nearly 17,000 tourism businesses supported over 163,000 jobs and paid $5 billion in wages across the province. 

Follow Along 

Follow Destination BC on LinkedIn as we share stories, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content from RVC 2026.