“The tourism industry is particularly valuable,” Harper said, adding it creates jobs and economic growth in every region of Canada and that “nearly a quarter of a million Chinese have visited China, a 25 per cent year-on-year increase.”
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) commended the PM’s move. “The Canadian tourism industry continues to target the growing Chinese market following Canada officially receiving Approved Destination Status (ADS) from China in 2010. We have welcomed approximately 25 per cent more Chinese visitors over the past year making it one of Canada’s most vital inbound tourism markets,” said Tony Pollard, president of HAC.
