Visiting Canada begins with visiting HookedOnCanada.com

Kenora, Ontario: Despite a prolonged spell of gloom for the world’s tourism industry, the launch of HookedOnCanada.com, an online Canadian tourist-based business directory, promises to aggressively promote Canada as a destination for global travelers, and to serve as an invaluable resource for international and domestic tourists.

“As if the global economic slowdown and volatile fuel prices were not enough, the tourism industry now has the specter of swine flu to contend with,” says Paul Derouard, co-founder of HookedOnCanada.com. “On the surface, it may not look like the best time to launch a tourism portal. But we believe differently.”

Canada’s tourism figures may appear discouraging, considering that, in 2008, 86 per cent of the country’s non-resident travelers came from the United States, and that Americans are now traveling (to Canada and elsewhere) in far smaller numbers. If they travel at all, tourists spend less, and their trips turn out to be shorter and less frequent.

But it isn’t all bad news, Derouard points out. According to a travel competitiveness report released by the World Economic Forum, Canada has overtaken the United States as a destination and is now ranked No. 5 in the world. The tourist industry still contributes $70 billion to the Canadian economy, and the Canadian government has made concerted efforts to promote itself as a tourist destination.

Just as tourists begin to look increasingly for greener activities and outdoor experiences, HookedOnCanada.com (available online at http://www.HookedOnCanada.com) promises to enhance Canada’s image as a top outdoor tourism destination. Its structure as a comprehensive online business directory fits with global trends; a recent study found that 94 per cent of North Americans research, plan and book their holidays online.

The web site’s founders are also committed to sustainable tourism, making HookedOnCanada.com a socially responsible choice. Derouard and his partner – at home and work – Beverly spend family time pursuing outdoor activities including snowshoeing, kayaking, fishing and hiking. Their strong values and respect for the environment is conveyed in both their home and work life. With firsthand experience of the effects of the international community on the tourism industry in Canada, the Derouards strive to overcome barriers and effectively promote Canada as an unrivaled destination, domestically and internationally.

For businesses, HookedOnCanada.com’s membership plan offers incredible benefits. For about the price of a classified ad in a local newspaper, a one-year membership catapults businesses into a coast-to-coast network of outdoor recreation and accommodation providers. These include hunting and fishing outfitters, eco-tourism providers, golf courses, bed and breakfasts, resorts, lodges and campgrounds. By directing quality leads – seriously interested travelers – to web sites offering the services they want, HookedOnCanada.com helps build an awareness of these brands and businesses.

“By giving travelers great options and details at the click of a button, we hope to help Canada stay competitive and to help the tourism industry here fight the negative trends sweeping the rest of the globe,” says Derouard. “We expect to get an estimated two million visitors from around the world this year, even as we craft HookedOnCanada.com into a great resource for travelers.”