Ottawa, August 23, 2010 — Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean–Carleton and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today greeted officials from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) during a dinner in Ottawa, Ontario.
"It is an honour to personally welcome members of the CNTA to Canada," said Mr. Poilievre. "We are pleased to showcase the National Capital Region to our visitors and hope that this visit is the first of many to come."
While meeting with the CNTA delegates, Mr. Poilievre spoke about the importance of the arrival of the first official tour groups from China last week, which brought over 350 Chinese leisure travellers to Canada.
"By 2020, China is predicted to have 100 million international travellers overall, and this will provide a significant opportunity for Canada's tourism industry," said Mr. Poilievre. "We want to ensure that these travellers view Canada as a destination of choice."
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.
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
