Edmonton International Airport and Edmonton Economic Development Corporation support the Government of Alberta’s new international strategy
Media Release
Edmonton International Airport and Edmonton Economic Development Corporation support the Government of Alberta’s new international strategy
May 17, 2013 (Edmonton, AB) – Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) would like to commend Minister Dallas and the Government of Alberta for their vision, leadership and commitment to raising Alberta’s profile within the global business community.
We believe in Alberta’s potential to command a much more powerful place on the world stage when it comes to trade, commerce and travel. Alberta remains a well-kept secret, and that’s a real challenge. There has never been a better time to partner with the province and industry to drive business from around the world home to Alberta.
EIA has invested in Alberta’s future by giving the province’s Capital Region a world-class airport and we are now primed and ready to move people and cargo around the globe. To build new air routes, it’s not enough to fill planes leaving from Alberta; we need to fill planes coming into Alberta. We need strong demand from global destinations, and that means business travellers, tourists, importers and exporters with a thorough grasp of who we are and what we have to offer. That kind of international demand will allow us to deliver better air service for Albertans.
EEDC welcomes this move as good for business and perfectly timed, with businesses across Alberta diversifying and seeking new markets. Edmonton-based businesses want to tap into expertise and know-how to increase their exposure and grow their market potential. Other key players in the city, like our airport and post-secondary institutions, are also actively expanding their international reach to attract global customers, talent and tourists.
This investment will position Alberta alongside global powerhouses, and allow EEDC, EIA and other partners to take advantage of resources, relationships and expertise in very large markets where we simply could not be effective ‘going it alone.’ With this strategy, the province and industry will have a much greater impact in these markets through a team approach.
There’s no question that a united Team Alberta, with government and industry working together, will have much more impact in key international markets than the sum of its parts could ever have. It’s more economical, more effective and simply good business sense. This is a tangible strategy that clearly demonstrates Alberta’s market priorities and one that will help EIA fine-tune its international route development efforts so as to best help drive Alberta business.
We appreciate the leadership, the cooperation and inclusiveness of the province in its support of Alberta’s business community and its efforts to add value to those of us ‘working’ out of country.
Reg Milley
President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport
Brad Ferguson
President & CEO, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
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Media Contacts:
Heather Hamilton
Director, Marketing and Communications
Edmonton International Airport
t: 780 890 2434 c: 780 884 2966
e: hhamilton@flyeia.com w: www.flyeia.com
or
Renée Williams
Communications Manager
Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
t: 780 917 7894 c: 780 932 4865