Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper hopes to foster a prosperous relationship with China.
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08 February 2012
Canadian visa programme promoted with tourism campaign
After Canada was granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) by China in 2009 and Canada implemented two new Canadian visa programmes, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has now launched a new marketing campaign intended to attract more tourists to Canada.
The announcement, made during the official opening of the newly created Canadian Tourism Commission’s marketing centre in Beijing, hopes to encourage more Chinese tourists to apply for a Canadian visa.
An estimated 230,000 Chinese tourists visited Canada in the first 11 months of 2011 and, as Chinese tourists have been shown to spend more on average than any other nationality, the Canadian prime minister is hoping to welcome more.
"The tourism industry creates jobs and economic growth in every region of our country," said Mr Harper. "Thanks to the landmark Approved Destination Status agreement reached with the Chinese government in 2009, there has been a huge increase in the number of Chinese visitors enjoying the pristine beauty and vibrant cities that Canada has to offer."
Canadian immigration authorities introduced two new visa programmes in 2011, the Long Term Multiple-Entry and the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which have led to increased numbers of international visitors thanks to its streamlined application process.
Mr Harper hopes that his new marketing campaign will both provide the country with an economic boost and increased ties with China.
"The new tourism commission office and marketing campaign being announced today are further signs that this industry, which generates such goodwill between our two great countries, is flourishing," concluded Mr Harper.
The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people make their application to the Canadian Embassy.
