Open Jaw :: On The Town ::

With Taylor Christie
07AUG08

Rosalyn Hunter, Nancy Abbott & Gerlinde Perera of VoX International

Enjoying the Massachusetts luncheon on the patio at the Radisson Admiral

It’s Just Massachusetts Being Massachusetts

The trend continues as American tourism organizations clamour for the attention of Canadian travellers. Case in point - VoX International’s luncheon to celebrate their representation and opening of the new Massachusetts Travel and Tourism office in Toronto. It’s funny how a little credit crisis, energy crisis, security crisis and recession can change how Americans view their neighbours to the north. In any case, it’s nice to feel wanted.

VoX was obviously eager to mention some of the amazing attractions the state has to offer, and there are lots of them: the history and culture of Boston, the dunes of Cape Cod, the Berkshires' Tanglewood Music Festival and Fenway's green monster. But I must commend Rosalyn Hunter on being concise in her presentation - she was hip to the fact that it’s not cool to try and keep the attention of a room full of industry types with empty stomachs.

Lunch on the poolside patio atop the Radisson Hotel Admiral at Queens Quay provided amazing views of the Toronto harbour as well as great tasting food and camaraderie. However, VoX definitely needs to work on their themes. After all, this lunch was supposed to be promoting Massachusetts and no chowder or even baked beans? No Boston cream pie? Maybe my feelings are still a little too raw over the Sox trading Manny to the Dodgers. Or, maybe it’s just a case of Open Jaw being Open Jaw.