Orlando CVB Hires First Canadian Travel Trade Representative
ORLANDO, FL, April 9, 2009 - In an effort to bolster its presence in the Canadian market, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) announced Anita Walker as its first Canadian Travel Trade Representative. Based in Ontario, Walker will run the destination's Canada operations, serving as a liaison between Orlando suppliers, Canadian tour operators, retail communities and meeting and incentive travel companies to educate and encourage solid growth in Canadian travel to Orlando for both leisure and business sectors.
"Canada is the second largest international market for visitation to Orlando and it is expected to continue to grow," said Gary C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando CVB. "By creating this new position and bringing Anita Walker on board, we have enhanced our on-the-ground ability to serve our Canadian partners and clients with an experienced and proven tourism professional. This is just the beginning of an enhanced Orlando sales and marketing effort for our destination in Canada."
With strong knowledge of the travel trade and retail community, Walker comes to the Orlando CVB from My Travel Canada Retail, one of the world's largest leisure travel businesses, where she served as manager of supplier relations and out-of-home digital marketing. Prior to this, Walker served as the key account sales manager for Holiday House and Sunquest Vacations. In her 10 years of experience with these companies, she was responsible for managing and implementing consumer tradeshows; executing strategic marketing promotions; negotiating contracts with key industry suppliers; promoting products and services within the travel industry; and managing business development, market analysis, budgeting and sales. Walker received her degree from the University of Toronto in English and Communications.
Anita Walker can be reached at 905-599-0477 and anita.walker@orlandocvb.ca or for more information on Orlando, go to VisitOrlando.com/trade.
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