Canada Granted Approved Destination Status by Chinese Government

BEIJING, China, January 21, 2005 — The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, today announced that the Government of the People's Republic of China has agreed to recognize Canada as an officially approved travel destination.

At yesterday's meeting of the Canada-China Strategic Working Group, both sides agreed that China would grant Approved Destination Status to Canada and that both sides would encourage discussions on greater tourism cooperation.

"We welcome the news that Canada has been officially approved as a travel destination by the People's Republic of China," said Minister Emerson. "China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and the recognition of Canada as an officially approved travel destination has significant economic potential for the Canadian tourism industry."

Approved Destination Status allows Chinese residents to travel to Canada using a tourist exit visa. Previously, only a few Chinese visitors traveling on business could obtain exit visas to Canada.

Since 1999, the Canadian Tourism Commission has been seeking Approved Destination Status for Canada with China. In 2004, Canada received 77 000 overnight visitors from China, and the World Tourism Organization estimates that by 2020, there will be 100 million Chinese tourists annually.

For more information, please contact:

Stéphanie Leblanc
Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502