The Shaw Centre is buzzing with excitement Saturday as the 27th annual Travel & Holiday Fair returned to Ottawa.
More than 150 stands of exhibitors, agencies and embassies were set up and able to offer the public a glimpse of sunny destinations around the world.
“I think the general public is tired of planning those trips on the web instead of just talking to other people in other countries and other people doing the touring,” general manager Robert Player said Saturday.
“That way, they have a much bigger idea of where they’d like to go. “
Player says about 17,000 visitors are expected this weekend. For him, this means that the travel industry is recovering from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s rising after three years of decline,” he said. “It’s happened very little, but last year he was very smart here and this year it’s even bigger. “
Vera Yuzyk and Terri Tomchyshyn, two friends who were thinking about some upcoming trips, were walking through the living room.
“There are some attractive brochures and places that I haven’t been to, so it’s a wonderful opportunity to be more informed about other countries,” Yuzyk said.
Tomchyshyn, who recently retired, said he wanted to start broadening his experience.
“As much as I love living here, it’s time to stop seeing the world,” he said. “It turns out to be a smart opportunity to see who has what to offer us and have a wonderful time doing it. “
A woman flips through brochures about New York City on April 6, 2024 (Sam Houpt/CTV News)
Cuban music filled the air near the Caribbean stalls as performers serenaded passersby. Some exhibitors handed out samples of the country’s classic dishes.
“There are a lot of other countries, places I’ve never heard of before,” Souza said. “It’s a chance to see the global in one place. “
Others were making plans closer to home. Terry O’Keefe is thinking of spending a summer in Newfoundland with his wife.
“It’s a province we haven’t been to yet and that’s why we want to remove it from our list,” he said. “It looks like a magical place. “
The exhibition gave him the opportunity to speak personally with the locals at the Newfoundland Exposition.
“There were so many other people answering questions that it was helpful. “
The exhibit continues Sunday starting at 10 a. m. m. a 4 p. m. h. au Shaw Center. Tickets are $10 at the door.
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