Canada’s new status with China seen as boost for tourism

January 21, 2005
Source: Digital Banff news service

The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, today announced that the Government of the People’s Republic of China has agreed to recognize Canada as an officially approved travel destination.

“Gaining Approved Destination Status (ADS) for Canada is truly incredible news for the Canadian tourism industry and for Banff and Lake Louise, as one of Canada’s icon travel destinations” says Julie Canning, President and CEO of the Banff/Lake Louise Tourism Bureau.

At a meeting yesterday in Beijing of the Canada-China Strategic Working Group, both sides agreed that China would grant Approved Destination Status to Canada and that both sides would encourage discussions on greater tourism cooperation.

“We welcome the news that Canada has been officially approved as a travel destination by the People''s Republic of China,” said Minister Emerson. “China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and the recognition of Canada as an officially approved travel destination has significant economic potential for the Canadian tourism industry.”

Approved Destination Status allows Chinese residents to travel to Canada using a tourist exit visa. Previously, only a few Chinese visitors traveling on business could obtain exit visas to Canada.

Since 1999, the Canadian Tourism Commission has been seeking Approved Destination Status for Canada with China. In 2004, Canada received 77 000 overnight visitors from China, and the World Tourism Organization estimates that by 2020, there will be 100 million Chinese tourists annually.

For more information, please contact Pam Challoner, manager media relations, at 762-0276 or pam@banfflakelouise.com.

[From the Banff/Lake Louise Tourism Bureau’s Highpoints newsletter, January 20, 2005]

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