CANDID SHOTS – I think every journalist has heard more than once that “it must be a work worth rewarding.” And it is. Writing about everything under the sun – socio-economic, political, peace and order, and the environment for a living is a gift. For almost three decades of being a newsman, I don’t regret a moment I’ve spent at it. The reality of being a journalist is both as great as you think it is and perhaps more frustrating than others can imagine. Sadly of course, some people, notably those in government, would like to imagine media as a shadowy collective group that works in lockstep to undermine whatever beliefs the government holds.
TOURISM – A “BIG, FAT” INDUSTRY – On a typical weekend in Toronto City, hordes of local residents and tourists alike flock to various leisure destinations. Tired and stressed probably due to their rigid work routine, the locals consider packing their bags and heading off to one of Canada’s well-known tourist destination – Niagara Falls, located in the Niagara Peninsula near the US-Canada border. Foreign tourists likewise have found that spring and summer season are the great times to travel and experience viewing the stunning and amazing work of nature releasing millions of gallons of water every minute.
Actually, there is more that Toronto can offer. The city’s tourism industry has redefined competitiveness and economic advantage. As one of Canada’s oldest city, Toronto is brimming with historical landmarks, the most prominent being the old city hall and parliament building. These eye-catching tourism treasures were inspired by colonial architecture. And one of its world-renowned modern landmarks is the imposing CN Tower, still considered the world’s tallest tower standing almost 600 meters high. The magnificent structure is famous for its 360 degree revolving restaurant, view deck and skywalk, and a favorite recreation spot of people who have lots of money to spare.
Well, there are lots of things the city leadership could do to make Toronto a tourism hub. Aside from historical landmarks, the city still has sections of famous and popular sites such as the various museums, 18th century churches and other places of worship. Sure enough, visitors and tourists have a day or two to bring it all into a perspective, like the one in which they have to drive during sunny or crappy weather, either to an urban center or rural community that is suitable for rest and recreation.
The tourism industry flourishes significantly not only in Toronto , but also in other Canadian cities and regional municipalities as well, with government leaders and prominent business entrepreneurs busy pouring concrete foundations and infusing huge capital outlay to promote tourism. Local executives and tourism officials probably foresaw a surge in visitors and tourist arrivals not just to experience shopping comfort or indulge a hawker fare to fine dining in various gastronomic havens, hence, offer more tourist-friendly programs and initiatives.
The vibrant and robust tourism industry in Toronto and the rest of Canada proves the business is in high spirits and ready to take on the competition. Perhaps, the government and its counterparts from the private and business sectors firmly believe that tourism is a “big, fat” business venture, therefore its tourism dynamics are being enhanced by promoting and adding ecotourism and sports tourism programs to their list. Either way, prospective tourists, frequent visitors and local residents realize that the series of leisure attractions being offered are simply astounding.
Furthermore, Canada is known for its astonishing lakes, rivers, creeks and streams the biggest being Lake Ontario. However, of all the lakes, probably none is as famous as Lake Ontario, which is so vast that it stretches to adjacent provinces. Foreign tourists and local visitors consider nature’s bounty as a great ecotourism destination – famous ecological endpoint, each one covered in lush greenery, pristine plants, and flora and fauna. Offered with ecological knowledge during their tours, visitors can really learn about real ecotourism and environmental conservation.
Another enticing tourism scheme is sports tourism. Tourists and sports enthusiasts are able to watch NBA games at Rogers Centre. The world-class and state-of-the-art sports facility is home to the Toronto Raptors and equally popular Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. The city is becoming a great place to experience international sports events such as tennis, football, soccer and baseball. There are also a variety of extreme sports such as the formula Indy 500 races, motor grand prix, motocross, go-kart races, skater and bicycle tricks, and ice hockey, arguably Canada’s most famous and successful homegrown sports event, and declared as a national sport. Well, that’s primarily the reason why Toronto is such a distinctive tourist destination.
