Yahoo! What fantastic news for the Canadian tourism industry and traveller from China. Approved Destination Status, or ADS, as we call it in the industry means that Chinese tour operators and travel agents will be able to organize tours to Canada and advertise. We will be able promote directly to tour operators and market our destination to people in China, our second largest trading partner. While this will definitely open the door for increased visitation — which doubled for Australia when they received ADS status — is that we can begin to share our stories, our culture and this beautiful land with our friends in China, many of whom have family, friends, and roots in Canada.
As product and market developers of experiential travel, we have an opportunity to invite a new guest, create meaningful and relevant travel experiences that will create fabulous memories of Canada. Start examining your programs, services, and market opportunities now — and lets ensure as the people of China begin coming to Canada in increased numbers, they leave feeling tremendous, enriched, and thankful for their choice to visit.
According to the Tourism Industry of Canada news release, “China is expected to be the world’s largest outbound market, producing some 100 million outbound tourists.” This is a tremendous opportunity for everyone in the tourism and hospitality to respond to — terrific news, in a year with so many challenges.
