Aug. 18, 2010
ADS Brings First Tour Groups to B.C. This Week

RICHMOND - The first organized Chinese tour groups arrived at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) this week, the first results of China granting Canada Approved Destination Status (ADS), Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

"On behalf of all British Columbians, I welcome our Chinese guests to Canada and to British Columbia, and thank the federal government for their efforts to get Approved Destination Status with China," said Premier Campbell. "This agreement will be a boost to our tourism industry and we are looking forward to many more visits in the future. Canada receiving ADS is expected to increase Chinese visitors to B.C. by 10 per cent in 2010 alone and an additional 15 per cent each of the next two years."

The first tour groups began landing at YVR on Sunday. In total, approximately 75 Chinese tourists arrived in advance of the official inauguration today.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper first announced that China was granting Canada ADS in December 2009, with the formal agreement between the two countries signed on June 24, 2010.

"This is an exciting occasion for our country, and we are proud to showcase some of Canada's most exciting attractions to the Chinese delegation," said the Honourable Rob Moore, federal Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism. "The Harper Government is giving a big boost and creating jobs for the Canadian tourism sector. Thanks in large part to this agreement, Chinese travellers to Canada is expected to grow by 50 per cent by 2015."

The agreement is expected to increase Chinese visitors to B.C. by 10 per cent in 2010, 15 per cent in 2011 and an additional 15 per cent for 2012. Last year, 160,833 Chinese visitors came to Canada, with more than half visiting B.C. Today's inaugural group of 300 to 350 tour operators and tourists puts the agreement into operational status.

With the ADS designation, Canadian tourism businesses and destination marketing organizations can market Canadian tourism products and experiences within China, and Chinese tour operators are now able to organize, promote and advertise group travel packages to Canada.

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