The tradeshow is a major driver of tourism revenue and international trade. Travel and tourism revenue is projected to increase by 6 per cent and reach $140.9 billion this year according to the Canadian Tourism Outlook Report, produced by Destination Canada and Tourism Economics.

As one of Canada’s top service exports, tourism is projected to contribute nine to 10 per cent (up to $30 billion) toward Canada’s goal of securing an additional $300 billion in non-US exports by 2035. Tourism’s opportunity to contribute to Canada’s trade diversification efforts starts on the tradeshow floor, where Canadian sellers (attractions, hotels, and Destination Marketing Organizations) will connect with international buyers (travel agents and tour operators). More than 50,000 of these business to business appointments will connect Canadian tourism experiences to global markets.

All of Canada’s target markets attend Rendez-vous Canada, which is experiencing increased interest from markets including Brazil, France and China since Canada’s Approved Destination Status (ADS) was reinstated in November 2025. Registration from American buyers is strong and overall buyer registration from all markets is at an all-time high.

Rendez-vous Canada 2026 by the numbers: 

·       Over 1,400 attendees registered

·       500+ buyers from 24 international markets (100+ more buyers than 2025)

·       900+ sellers representing more than 500 Canadian tourism organizations, including Indigenous entrepreneurs

·       60,000+ pre-scheduled business-to-business appointments

Hosting Rendez-vous Canada in Toronto will deliver strong economic and sector benefits.

·       The preliminary direct economic impact is approximately $6.7M

·       An additional $5.7M comes from estimated indirect and induced impacts — that is business-to-business activity resulting from the direct impact

·       More than 4,000 hotel room nights secured in Toronto

·       The 2025 event in Winnipeg generated an estimated $4.6M in economic impact and $89.6M in business was signed over three days in 2025.

Spotlight on Toronto and Ontario Tourism Businesses:

Rendez-vous Canada is an opportunity to showcase Toronto’s diverse culinary scene, culturally rich neighbourhoods, and year-round lineup of attractions, festivals, and sporting events to over 500 buyers and tour operators from key global markets. This year’s event also comes ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, giving buyers a firsthand look at how Toronto is preparing to welcome the world.

Last year, Toronto welcomed a record 28.2 million visitors, generating an all-time high of $9.1 billion in visitor spending. International arrivals were the city’s fastest-growing segment, rising 8 per cent to 1.4 million visitors, led by strong growth from the U.K. and Germany. Hosting international buyers helps strengthen demand in established markets like Europe and Mexico while expanding opportunities in Asia. To support continued growth and diversification, Destination Toronto has increased visibility and accelerated in-market activity in the U.K., Germany and Mexico alongside the critical U.S. market.

More than 85 Ontario tourism businesses and organizations will participate in the marketplace, meeting with international buyers to build relationships and secure future visitation for destinations and experiences across the province.

Hosting Rendez-vous Canada 2026 in Ontario provides an important opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and showcase the diversity of experiences available throughout the province, from outdoor adventure and Indigenous tourism to culinary, cultural and major event experiences.

In addition to attending RVC, approximately 215 buyers and travel trade media will take part in 17 pre- and post-familiarization tours throughout Ontario. These immersive journeys will introduce participants to destinations and experiences across the province, offering first-hand opportunities to experience Ontario’s vibrant communities, iconic attractions and diverse tourism offerings.

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In Scotland, 1933, Bobby MacBryde is on his way to the Glasgow School of Art, after years grafting at Lees Boot Factory. As he sets off to his future, on his first day he meets Robert Colquhoun, a quiet man with loose dark curls, who will never leave his side again.

Together they will spend every penny and every minute devouring Glasgow—its botanical gardens, the Barras market, a whole hidden city—all the while loving each other behind closed doors. With the world on the brink of war, their unrivalled talent will take them to Paris, Rome, London. They will become stars as the bombs fall, hosting wild parties with the likes of Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, and Elizabeth Smart. But the brightest stars burn fastest.

Stunningly reimagined, The Two Roberts is a profoundly moving story of devotion and obsession, art, and class. It is a love letter to MacBryde and Colquhoun, the almost-forgotten artists who tried to change the way the world sees—and paid a devastating price.

Available from House of Anansi

DAMIAN BARR is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, and journalist. His memoir Maggie & Me, won Stonewall Writer of the Year and Sunday Times Memoir of the Year. His debut novel, You Will Be Safe Here, was shortlisted for six major awards. He hosts the internationally syndicated television show Big Scottish Book Club, now in its sixth series. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and lives in Brighton, England.

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National Trust houses and landscapes might seem to embody conventional family values, but for generations some very different stories were hidden away. These belong to owners now considered queer for defying the norms of sexual orientation or gender identity – sometimes blatantly, occasionally as open secrets, but most often very discreetly.

These stories are set against the queer history of the National Trust itself, such as its foundation in 1895 against the backdrop of Oscar Wilde’s trials; hidden queer influences within the Trust in its early days; and the role of homophobia in its reorganisation in the 1960s; and the evolution to inclusivity and understanding in the twenty-first century.

Available from Bloomsbury

Michael Hall has published several books on architecture, country houses and collecting, including Waddesdon Manor: The Biography of a Rothschild House (3rd ed., 2012), George Frederick Bodley and the Later Gothic Revival in Britain and America (2014) and Art, Passion and Power: The Story of the Royal Collection (2017). A former Architectural Editor of Country Life and Editor of Apollo, he was Editor of The Burlington Magazine from 2017 to 2024.

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A woman’s personal trauma and anxiety are intertwined with the lives of the feral dogs abandoned in the Chernobyl exclusion zone. As a lesbian love affair unravels, the secrets of a gift-giving crow are revealed. The life of a veterinarian is told through the animals that she has loved and that she has tried to save. A dying man dreams of returning as a vulture after death. The plight of sea turtles on the brink of extinction weaves through a mother’s devastation over the loss of a daughter.

Available from Arsenal Pulp Press

Nadja Lubiw-Hazard (she/her) is a Toronto-based writer and veterinarian. She is the author of the novel The Nap-Away Motel (Palimpsest Press) and two children’s books. As a manuscript, The Life of a Creature won the Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature.

The post The Life of a Creature – story collection about the interconnection between humans and animals navigating love, loss, and healing appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Spitz has brought his indefatigable energy and five decades of experiences in the fields and hollows of rock ‘n’ roll to bear on his five-year journey to reexamine one of popular music’s greatest stories. There are myriad revisions to the conventional narrative which underscore just how in control of that narrative the band has been up to now—small example: no, Muddy Waters was not mopping the floors at Chess Records when the Stones showed up.

As with the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, Spitz’s greatest gift is for the big picture. He knows where the magic is, and why it is. He is as clear-eyed a connoisseur of the show business, the spectacle and the collateral damage of this whirlwind as anyone alive. That lucid gaze pierces a lot of incrusted bullshit, but the ultimate goal is to connect with a creative force whose power shows no signs of fading, over sixty years on.

At its heart the story is about two gentlemen, Mick and Keith, and their unique, fraught, alchemical bond, often tested, never sundered – The Glimmer Twins. The bandmates, like Charlie Watts, who found their groove in relation to this double star made the trip intact, while those who struggled, like Brian Jones and Mick Taylor, were chewed up and spit out.

This is a story with many dark corners, including a surprising number of deaths. But whether Jagger and Richards sold their souls to the devil at the crossroads for blues greatness, or just squeezed their heroes for every drop of inspiration, in the end their connection to their music and to each other put them in a category of one, where they very much remain.

Available from Penguin Random House

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Ten years later, Alex and Ben find each other again—she’s conquering Montreal’s contemporary art world, he’s running a thriving restaurant in Ottawa. But their success feels hollow. As they excavate their shared past, they must confront the ghost of Rob’s disappearance and the trauma that pushed them apart.

Pulsing with the raw energy of basement punk shows and DIY creativity, late-night manifestos and first heartbreaks, Temporary Palaces is a blazing debut that captures a generation caught between idealism and survival, art and activism, the dreams that define us and the compromises that save us.

Available from House of Anansi Press

Jeff Miller is the author of the award-winning creative nonfiction collection Ghost Pine: All Stories True. His stories have appeared in several anthologies, and he frequently publishes criticism. Jeff holds an MFA from the University of British Columbia and lives in Nova Scotia.

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Moving seamlessly between quiet melancholy, wry humour, and the supernatural, Super Castle Fun Park is a novel that defies expectations: a tragicomic, very human story about isolation, ghosts, technology, and our deep, abiding need for connection.

Available from Arsenal Pulp Press

Daniel Zomparelli (he/him) is the author of the poetry books Jump Scare,Davie Street Translations, and Rom Com, co-written with Dina Del Bucchia (all published by Talonbooks). His story collection Everything Is Awful and You’re a Terrible Person (Arsenal Pulp Press) was a finalist for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize and won the ReLit Short Fiction Award. He co-edited Queer Little Nightmares (Arsenal Pulp Press) with David Ly. Born and raised in Vancouver, he now lives in Glendale, CA.

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Loch Baillie pens an unfiltered queer Bildungsroman that traces both a geographical and emotional journey from his birthplace in New England to where he comes to settle in Quebec.

Available from Goose Lane Editions

Loch Baillie is originally from Massachusetts, Loch Baillie (he/il) is a queer writer and editor based in Quebec City, Canada. He is the author of two poetry chapbooks, ice, dove parachute (Cactus Press) and Citronella (Anstruther Press), as well as the collection River Running (icehouse poetry/Goose Lane Editions, 2026). Loch’s writing has appeared in magazines such as Maclean’s, yolk literary, and Ahoy. He is an associate poetry editor at Plenitude Magazine and a board director for the the Quebec Writers’ Federation. From 2o22-2025, Loch served as poet-in-residence for the Jarislowsky Chair of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence. He is currently pursuing his MA in English literature at Université Laval

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Highlights for Pride Season 2026

Supported by Miami’s Pride‑365 approach and a rich, inclusive local scene, these events collectively position the city as a sun-soaked, culturally immersive escape for LGBTQ+ travellers. Whether attending high-energy festivals, engaging with local arts, or enjoying iconic Miami Beach settings, visitors can celebrate Pride in a destination that balances vibrant entertainment with authentic cultural experiences.

Looking for another great reason to explore more of Greater Miami and Miami Beach this spring? The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched Explore Miami, a limited-time program running April 1 through May 31, 2026, featuring special offers, discounts and experiences at cultural institutions, attractions, outdoor adventures and more across the destination. From museums and wildlife encounters to live performances and historic sites, the program encourages both visitors and locals to discover something new while taking advantage of exclusive deals.

Explore Miami invites invites both locals and visitors to dive into the best of Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s experiences, as there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Along the way, take advantage of exclusive deals, buy one get one specials, and complimentary perks that make exploring even more rewarding. See below for some of the amazing offerings, and explore the full lineup of experiences and participating offers at exploremiami.com.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SPECIAL OFFERS INCLUDE:

Deering Duo Discovery

Step into history and let curiosity run wild at the Deering Estate, where the past and paradise perfectly mingle. Enjoy a Buy One Get One Free deal on Adult General Admission and double the adventure without doubling the price. Breezy bay views and trails that totally leaf visitors wanting more make this 1920s treasure equal parts museum and nature escape.

Gator Bites and Airboat Delights

Snap into adventure at Everglades Alligator Farm with 50% off children’s general admission plus an airboat ride that makes a splash. This wild and wonderfully walkable attraction features more than 2,000 gators, exotic snakes and close up wildlife encounters at every turn. A small, easy to navigate layout pairs perfectly with shady trees, orchids, ponds and waterfalls for a breezy Old Florida vibe. Live alligator shows and feeding time deliver a jaw dropping experience packed with bite.

Smell the Savings in the Air

Sniff out something scent-sational at Tijon Miami with a buy one get one half off deal on perfumes or immersive experiences. This fragrance playground blends science and style, letting creativity take the lead through hundreds of global oils and dreamy notes. Mix, match and make magic in a real perfumer’s lab, then bottle up a signature scent worth bragging about. Double the aromas, double the fun and half the price makes this deal simply unforgettable.

Bayside Bliss

Step into a slice of European elegance at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens where art, history and gardens bloom in perfect harmony. Wander through jaw-dropping architecture and labyrinthine gardens while soaking up sweeping Biscayne Bay views. Seasonal savings make this cultural gem even sweeter with 50% off adult admission. Time to make history, beauty and a little magic part of the Miami daycation.

Four Miles of Adventure, Half the Price

Swing into wild savings at Zoo Miami with 50% off admission for up to six adventurers. Wander four miles of lush trails and meet 2,500-plus creatures from tigers to koalas in sprawling, sun-soaked habitats. Explore the only subtropical zoo in the continental U.S. where the Everglades, Amazon, Africa and Asia come to life under Miami skies. Leaf through a jungle of over 1,000 plant species and let the wild side roam free.

Below is a complete list of attractions and museums participating in Explore Miami:

• Deering Estate
• Everglades Alligator Farm
• Fantasy Theatre Factory at the Sandrell Rivers Theater
• Flamingo Adventures at Everglades National Park
• Freedom Tower Miami
• GableStage at The Biltmore
• Jungle Island
• Miami Marlins
• Museum of Graffiti
• Oleta River State Park
• Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
• Paradox Museum
• Phillip And Patricia Frost Museum of Science
• Sky Tours Miami
• Tequila Town
• Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures
• Tijon Miami
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
• Wynwood Walls
• Zoo Miami

Pet-Friendly Travel

Miami goes beyond simply welcoming pets — it makes travelling with them effortless and enjoyable. With rooftop cocktails at sunset, oceanside brunches, and curated pet-friendly events, the city blends animals seamlessly into its vibrant dining, hospitality, and cultural scene. 

Pet-Friendly Dining & Drinks 

Pet-Friendly Stays 

Miami is a sun-soaked, pet-friendly escape where style, wellness, and joyful companionship go paw in paw. 

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After 35 groundbreaking years, the longest-running and most influential queer women’s music festival in the world, has entered a historic new chapter. Founder Mariah Hanson has passed the torch to two longtime members of the Dinah family: Bella Barkow, who rose through the ranks as the festival’s Operations Manager, and Los Angeles-based trailblazer Rose Garcia, the real-life inspiration for Papi on The L Word and a cast member of The Real L Word.

For more than three decades, The Dinah has been far more than a festival, it is a global cultural phenomenon. It has helped launch the careers of queer artists, drawn international audiences, and hosted major pop stars including Doechii, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Bebe Rexha, Lizzo, and Meghan Trainor. Notably, The Dinah has been running longer than Coachella, while consistently delivering world-class talent and cultural impact.

Its longevity is especially remarkable in today’s political and cultural climate, where women-centered and LGBTQ+ events face increasing challenges and closures. That The Dinah remains independently owned, community-led, and centered on queer women’s visibility speaks to the strength of its leadership and legacy.

The acquisition ensures The Dinah remains independently owned, community-led, and deeply rooted in LGBTQ+ culture, now operating under the marquee of the duo’s newly founded company, BellaRose Productions. The transition signals not only continuity, but a powerful evolution of an institution that has shaped queer women’s space for more than three decades. Few LGBTQ+ events, particularly those centered on queer women, have ever achieved this level of cultural impact, longevity, and commercial success. This sale stands as a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history and culture.

With this historic transition, The Dinah remains firmly in the LGBTQ+ community and Dinah family’s hands. Garcia and Barkow bring complementary strengths to the role, along with an insider’s understanding of what has made The Dinah a trusted and transformative platform for queer women and allies.

The Dinah returns to Palm Springs, California September 30–October 4, 2026

Rose Garcia, the real-life inspiration for the iconic “Papi” on The L Word, combines star power with authenticity and a steadfast commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility. A fan favorite on The Real L Word, she has expertly balanced leading Garcia Real Estate Group with devotion to her family and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community. As a prominent Latina lesbian entrepreneur, her real estate success has brought her features in Newsweek, BuzzFeed, Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, and HGTV’s House Hunters. Garcia has also emceed The Dinah and other major queer events, further amplifying her influence. A Stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor now in remission, she steps into this chapter with renewed purpose as co-owner of The Dinah alongside Bella Barkow under their new venture, BellaRose Productions.

With a career spanning Toronto raves to major festivals in Los Angeles, Bella Barkow brings extensive experience in large-scale LGBTQ+ event production. From her early days in West Hollywood nightlife to producing speed-dating events for queer women and managing major festivals including LA Pride and the Outloud Festival, she has established herself as a key figure in California’s queer event scene.  Bella joined The Dinah team in 2018, quickly rising from Pool Party Stage Manager to Operations Manager, and now brings deep operational expertise and an intimate knowledge of the festival’s inner workings.

Together, their leadership promises a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation, preserving what has made The Dinah mythic for over three decades while infusing it with fresh energy and bold new ideas. That energy is already taking shape. The excitement begins this year with the 35th edition of the festival.

In an era when few queer women-centered events survive, let alone thrive, this milestone moment ensures The Dinah’s story is far from over, it’s only beginning to be written. Stay tuned and visit www.TheDinah.com and follow The Dinah on its social media platforms for ongoing updates, announcements, and exclusive news.

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