‘Approved Destination’ Canadian visas to be in demand from China

December 08 2009 by Jay

More Chinese tourists are expected to seek Canadian visas as a result of China awarding Canada “approved destination status (ADS)”.

The Conference Board of Canada predicts that the move could increase the number of Chinese tourists visiting Canada by 50 per cent by 2015.

The move has also been welcomed by the Canadian Airports Council. Its CEO and president Jim Facette said, “as a source of foreign tourists to Canada, the People’s Republic is of growing importance.” He added, “this formal declaration will be a boon for Canada’s tourism sector and the aviation industry that supports it.”

The ADS award is important as it means the Chinese government can recommend the country as a suitable place for group leisure travel.

Facette continued, “as the [Canadian] government works on its national tourism strategy, it is to be congratulated for securing a big improvement to access for potential tourists from the world’s most populous country.”

A government statement explained how the agreement came about: “The two sides agreed to work together to further promote China-Canada co-operation in all bilateral areas and international affairs, as bilateral relations enter a significant new era.”

More Chinese people may find they want to move to Canada or work in Canada – boosting its economy – as a result of visiting the country as part of a group leisure trip.

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