From the CBC:
A decision by China to bestow approved destination status on Canada will open the gates for tourists from that country, pumping millions of dollars into Canada’s tourism industry, experts say.
The decision was announced in a joint communiqué, issued by Chinese and Canadian officials on Thursday, during Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s first trip to China.
“Approved destination status marks a significant moment in the history of our relations with China, indicating not only our mutual commitment to strengthening our diplomatic and commercial partnerships, but also our people-to-people ties,” said Harper in statement released by his office on Thursday…According to the Prime Minister’s Office, nearly 160,000 Chinese travellers visited Canada last year. Chinese visitors had the highest average length of stay in Canada — 28 nights — and spent more than visitors from any other country, nearly $1,650 each.
