Approved Destination Status for Canada further strengthens relationship with China

Canada is poised to become an even more popular destination for Chinese. Last week, delegates from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) paid an official visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario, to meet with the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). This meeting follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Prime Minister Harper to implement Approved Destination Status (ADS) for Canada. This new status will allow Canada to promote tourism and market directly to Chinese consumers and also permits group travel from China to Canada.

Last week, more than 350 Chinese tourists arrived in groups to tour Canada. It is an important and historic occasion and signifies Canadian tourism has taken a step forward in terms of competing on the world stage.

“I am thrilled to welcome the Chinese delegation to Canada,” said Minister of State Moore. “I am also glad to be able to show them some of what makes Canada a wonderful destination for our Chinese friends.” Minister of State Moore said he plans to lead a tourism mission to China this fall with his provincial and territorial tourism counterparts.

This Approved Destination Status designation will result in more people travelling from China to Canada and will therefore create jobs in communities across Canada. It is expected this will have a positive impact on Canada’s economy.

Yuen Pau Woo, the head of the Asia Pacific Foundation, stated that many Chinese people already study in Canada or have made the move to Canada for work or for investment purposes. He said, "It is this unique connection that we have because of immigration, because of tourists, because of students, because of business ties, that puts Canada, I think, in a unique competitive position to build stronger relations with China.”