Black Meetings and Tourism

Black Meetings & Tourism February/March 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 106 CANADA'S ROCKY MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND BY NORMAN MAYERS Flanked by the Rocky Mountains to its west and Montana to its south, the fastest growing province in Canada boasts saw-toothed mountains, ancient dinosaur beds and cosmopolitan cities. Alberta is the fourth largest province in Canada boasting a diversity of natu- ral terrain — parklands, grasslands, primordial badlands, vast tracts of wildlands, boreal forests and plains, ancient glaciers, thousands of lakes and rivers, and the oldest mountain ranges of the "backbone" that runs the length of North and South America. Its variety of natural areas and ecosys- tems supports hundreds of species of wildlife, many of which are endan- gered or protected. Coupled with the intriguing history of Aboriginal cul- tures and prehistoric dinosaur remains, it is easy to see why the United Nations crowned Alberta with five of Canada's 13 designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alberta is truly a beautiful place that remains relatively unexplored for most Americans. With several magical destinations within this one province, Alberta might just be the perfect place for your next meeting or convention. Boasting a vast range of facilities that span two urban centers – Edmonton and Calgary – as well as the Canadian Rocky Mountains and smaller rural hubs, the infrastructure behind Alberta's Meeting, Convention and Incentive Travel sector is unparal- leled. Combine that range with no provincial sales tax, a favorable exchange rate, two international air- ports, spectacular scenery and a menu rich with holiday options and you can see why Canada's fastest growing economy has become one of the nation's most desirable business desti- nations. Calgary is an engaging blend of traditional western hospitality and exhilarating entrepreneurial spirit. This thriving metropolis attracts inno- vators from all over the world and is now Canada's second largest head office city. Helping you get down to business is done with a warm Western smile and is all part of the agenda. Renowned worldwide for service excellence and the ability to host the annual Calgary Stampede, you'll find 11,000 hotel rooms and some 2,000 multicultural restaurants located in this vibrant city. Experience the pulse of Alberta's capital city, Edmonton. A fascinating blend of Old World charm and New World vision, Edmonton is rich in mul- ticultural neighborhoods, superb restaurants, a world-class symphony orchestra and excellent facilities for meetings and conventions. With over 12,000 hotel guestrooms in the Edmonton capital region and more than 2,000 restaurants – these facilities and amenities offer superior service levels that are difficult to match. It's impossible not to be left inspired by Alberta's Rocky Mountains, and there is little doubt Alberta's spectacular mountain setting will peak your meeting's productivity and create just the inspiration you need to conquer even greater targets in the world of business. Located on the northern end of a chain of moun- tains that stretches thousands of miles from Alberta to New Mexico, our Rocky Mountains soar above the ordi- nary. Choose from a long list of unfor- gettable meeting locations – from rus- tic mountain lodges to full-service lux- ury resorts replete with spas, golf courses, world-class skiing and all-star amenities. Alberta's smaller cities act as regional business and service hubs for the province's prosperous energy, agri- culture and manufacturing industries. You'll find all the amenities and con- veniences of big city living combined with the indescribable charm of small- town hospitality. Whether you're in the Badlands, cowboy country or the farm- lands, you'll find distinct areas that offer high-speed access – both in terms of available amenities as well as geo- graphic accessibility. Alberta's two international airports are located in the cities of Calgary and Edmonton. Flights to Alberta are available from most major cities worldwide. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Travel Alberta – (800) 252-3782 www.travelalberta.com AREA GUIDES ALBERTA Calgary Tower Photo Credit: Travel Alberta

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