On September 25 local time, director of the World Tourism Alliance Organizing Committee and CNTA chairman Li Jinzao held a meeting with director general Ilona Rehberg of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Destination Canada vice president David Robinson at the head office of Destination Canada. The two sides exchanged views over issues of common concern including the 2018 China-Canada Tourism Year program.

 

Li said the high-level visits of state leaders of the two countries created a favorable environment for bilateral tourism cooperation and his organization highly valued the tourism year program and would actively work with Canada to boost cooperation and communication at the government and business levels and truly benefit Chinese and Canadian people. He hoped the tourism year would drive up the number of two-way visits between the two countries. Li also hoped Canada would seize the opportunity to simplify the visa policy and customs clearance formalities for Chinese tourists, and urge hotels and restaurants to cater to the needs of Chinese customers. Then he introduced the World Tourism Alliance, a newly-born international organization initiated by China, and welcomed Canadian tourism organizations and companies to join it.

 

Ms. Rehberg welcomed the Chinese delegation and said, “We are actively preparing for the upcoming tourism year. Minister of Small Business and Tourism Bardish Chagger will hold a meeting with provincial departments to discuss activities under the tourism year program. We will open seven more visa centers in China to serve Chinese tourists. We will also closely follow news about the WTA.”

 

The two were accompanied by Chinese deputy consul-general Kong Weiwei in Vancouver, executive director Doug Kinsey of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and CNTA departmental heads concerned.