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PM launches tourism campaign in China
“The tourism industry creates jobs and economic growth in every region of our country,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Thanks to the landmark Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement reached with the Chinese government in 2009, there has been a huge increase in the number of Chinese visitors enjoying the pristine beauty and vibrant cities that Canada has to offer. The new tourism commission office and marketing campaign being announced today are further signs that this industry, which generates such goodwill between our two great countries, is flourishing.”
Designed to promote Canada as an all-season destination of choice, the CTC’s 2012 tourism campaign focuses on a collection of travel experiences –the Signature Experience Collection – that will be used to showcase Canada’s many tourist attractions to the world, including the centennial celebration of the Calgary Stampede, which will be a focal point of the CTC’s efforts in China this year.
Since Canada was granted ADS by China in 2009, it has welcomed approximately 25 percent more Chinese visitors, including an estimated 232,000 travellers in the first 11 months of 2011. The introduction of two new Canadian visas in 2011 – the Long-Term Multiple-Entry Visa and the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa – are also contributing to an increase in the number of international visitors to Canada by making the visa application process easier and more efficient. By increasing people to people connections, Canada is strengthening its economic cooperation with China.
Tourism is an important source of revenue for Canada, contributing nearly $15 billion to the economy in 2010.
