Minister of State Moore Greets Chinese Tourism Officials in Niagara Falls

Approved Destination Status bolsters Canada’s tourism industry

Niagara Falls, Ontario August 22, 2010 — The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), along with Dean Allison, Member of Parliament for Niagara West–Glanbrook, today greeted officials from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) during their visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

“I am thrilled to welcome the Chinese delegation to Canada,” said Minister of State Moore. “I am also glad to be able to show them some of what makes Canada a wonderful destination for our Chinese friends.”

While meeting with the CNTA delegates, the Minister of State spoke about the importance of the arrival of the first official tour groups from China last week.

“With last week’s arrival of over 350 Chinese leisure travellers, Canadian tourism has taken a step forward in terms of competing on the world stage,” noted Minister of State Moore.

In June 2010, Prime Minister Stephen Harper witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to implement Approved Destination Status (ADS). ADS allows Canada to market directly to Chinese consumers and permits group travel from China. This designation will result in more people travelling from China to Canada and will therefore create jobs in communities across the country, which will have a positive impact on Canada’s economic recovery.

“This is good news for tourism operators and related businesses, especially here in the Niagara region,” said MP Allison. “Our government’s leadership in getting this historic agreement signed allows our tourism industry to actively promote Canada to one of the world’s fastest growing markets.”

Minister of State Moore also reaffirmed that he plans to lead a tourism mission to China this fall with his provincial and territorial tourism counterparts.

“This will be a wonderful first-hand opportunity for our tourism leaders to experience Chinese hospitality while promoting our own great country and learning more about how best to improve our tourism offerings for our Chinese guests.”

For further information (media only), please contact:

Sean Phelan
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-797-7965

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502