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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release Oct. 22, 2010 |
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
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CHINA TRADE MISSION PROMOTES B.C. TOURISM
VICTORIA – A tourism trade mission to China has strengthened relations between B.C. and the tourism industry in China and will result in increasing numbers of Chinese visitors coming to British Columbia, Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts said today.
“Capitalizing on the enormous success of and global exposure provided by the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, together with the Approved Destination Status granted to Canada earlier this year, we are establishing new markets in China,” said Krueger. “Years of relationship-building and hard work on the part of tourism officials here in British Columbia, and our representatives in China, are creating strong tourism partnerships that will bring substantial near- and long-term economic benefits for B.C.”
From Oct. 17 to 21, Krueger participated in a joint federal/provincial tourism mission to Shanghai and Beijing that brought the Canadian delegation together with Chinese officials, key representatives from the tourism industry and travel media.
Highlights included participation in Expo 2010 in Shanghai, where Krueger helped welcome the 5,800,000th visitor to the Canada Pavilion, and attending the week-long Showcase Canada – Asia 2010 event in Beijing. Tourism ministers also joined Chinese government officials in increasing awareness of Canada as a tourism destination to the media.
At Showcase Canada – the ministry’s market development team met with more than 100 buyers from Japan, Korea, India and China to negotiate co-operative marketing promotions, provide education and itinerary planning advice and make introductions for B.C. tourism product suppliers.
The mission helped solidify relationships between Canada, the Chinese National Tourism Association and key Chinese tour operators. Meetings with Chinese government officials and tourism industry representatives included discussions on greater two-way travel and air access, as well as promoting closer tourism ties between Canada and China.
Promoting the new Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement between China and Canada in key Chinese markets was a vital part of the mission. With ADS, Canadian tourism businesses and organizations can now directly market within China, and Chinese tour operators are permitted to organize, promote and advertise group travel packages to Canada.
In B.C., ADS is projected to increase Chinese visitors by 10 per cent in 2010, 15 per cent in 2011 and additional 15 per cent in 2012.
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Media Contact:
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Gordon Keast Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts 250 356-8177 |
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