Loading
28-Jun-2010 9:59 AM

China approves Canada as tourist destination; Air China to double capacity

China and Canada signed (25-Jun-2010) an agreement after the Government of China granted Canada approved destination status (ADS), allowing for significant growth of the Canadian tourism industry and making it easier for Chinese nationals to visit Canada. The agreement comes as Air Canada doubles its capacity between Toronto and China from autumn-2010 with the introduction of daily services to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, in addition to its services between Vancouver and the three cities. Canada joins more than 130 countries with ADS, which allows Chinese travel agents to promote Canada as a destination for group leisure travel. The Conference Board of Canada projects the move, long supported by Canada's airports, is projected to grow the number of Chinese visiting Canada by 50% by 2015. Last year, only 11,000 Chinese national overnight visits to Canada were recorded. [more - Canada Airports Council] [more - GTAA] [more - Air Canada]

Canadian Airports Council: "Canada's airports, in partnership with the travel and tourism sector, have sought approved destination status for many years. We will work with our communities and partners in the tourism industry to take full advantage of this opportunity," Keith Medenblik, Chairman of Air Policy and Facilitation Committee. Source: QMI Agency, 25-Jun-2010.

Air Canada: "Canada's new status as 'approved destination' by the Chinese Government opens significant opportunities for Air Canada to further build on our already extensive service to China and Asia. It makes Canada an even more attractive destination for business and leisure travel, resulting in significant economic spin-offs for the Canadian economy and for the Canadian tourism sector in particular. After many years of negotiations between Canada and China, today's signing of approved destination status for Canada marks an important milestone in strengthening our longstanding ties and facilitating trade and tourism between our two countries. I wish to express our thanks to the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada for making ADS a reality," Duncan Dee, Executive VP and COO. Source: Company Statement, 25-Jun-2010.

Want More News Like This?

CAPA Membership provides access to all news and analysis on the site, along with access to many areas of our comprehensive databases and toolsets.
Find Out More