China awards Canada approved destination status

Canada's Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) has welcomed news that the country has been granted approved destination status (ADS) by the Chinese government making it easier for Chinese nationals to visit the country. ADS also enables Chinese travel agents to advertise and organise group tours to Canada. The announcement was made by Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper in Beijing today following a meeting with Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.

 

FDFA executive director Laurie Karson said: "As a result of achieving ADS Canada will increase its Chinese travel market by 50% by 2015. By 2020 China will represent the world's largest outbound market meaning there is tremendous potential for Canada's tourism market."

 

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper commented: "Approved destination Status marks a significant moment in the history of our relations with China, indicating not only our mutual commitment to strenghtening our diplomatic and commercial parternships, but also our people-to-people ties. As Canada prepares to welcome the world to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this new designation will help more of our Chinese friends discover why Canada is one of the best places in the world in which to invest, innovate, work and compete."

 

The average spend by Chinese travelers has risen 50% to €1,081 ($1,631) since 2006, according to a recent report commissioned by the Tax Free World Association.