October 19, 2006

Victoria, BC — The Butchart Gardens, Canada’s most visited privately owned attraction, is pleased to have been designated a Top 100 Event in North America for 2007 by the American Bus Association.

In its 2007 edition, the annual guide to professional travel planners and the general public highlights the top fairs, festivals, parades, exhibits, theater and shows across the U.S. and Canada. ABA, the leading trade organization for the motorcoach and group travel industry, compiles the list, which is chosen from among hundreds of events nominated by state and provincial tourism officials, and convention and visitors associations from across North America. A panel of U.S. and Canadian travel professionals bases its selections on the events’ broad appeal, their accessibility to large groups arriving by motorcoach, and a variety of other criteria.

“The Top 100 list began 25 years ago as a way to help tour planners to find new destinations for their customers.  Over time, the list has grown to a must-have for travel planners, travel writers and travel bureaus, to help encourage motorcoach and group travel to destinations, and a coveted honor for events to help increase motorcoach and group attendance,” said Peter J. Pantuso, president and CEO, American Bus Association.

Robin Clarke, owner of The Butchart Gardens, said “We have worked with motorcoach tour operators for many years and we truly appreciate the work they do in bringing people to see The Gardens. We are delighted our ‘Magic of Christmas’ event, which requires months of preparation by hundreds of staff, has been given this honour. It will be a pleasure to welcome their clientele to enjoy the displays with the many people who come from Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland.”

The Butchart Gardens was created in 1904 by Jennie Butchart out of her husband’s worked-out limestone quarry site, welcoming 1.3 million guests from around the world each year, and it has been designated a National Historic Site. The 22 hectare (55 acre) year round gardens are located 20 km (13 miles) north of the city of Victoria, British Columbia, on the Saanich Peninsula.

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Media Contact:
Graham Bell
Public Relations
250-652-4422
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