Opening the Door to Chinese Tourism

Abstract:

An estimated 10 million newly affluent Chinese will travel overseas this year to Asian destinations. A recent survey found that about three million members of this new middle class want to travel further afield, with more than half of those hoping to visit Canada. However, relatively few will make it to Canada in 2002. Last year, Chinese nationals made 86,000 trips to Canada, an increase of 65% since 1995 (compared to a fall of more than 20% in visitors from all other Asian sources). In 2001 alone, Chinese visitors spent an estimated $123 million during their stay in Canada. However, very few of these Chinese visitors to Canada came as “tourists,” citing instead business or family as their primary reasons for visiting. Administrative barriers have inhibited the growth of Chinese tourism to Canada, but bilateral talks are now beginning which could lead to Canada winning “approved destination status” from Beijing, potentially leading to a dramatic increase in genuine tourist arrivals. Chinese travellers could be the next big growth area for the tourism industry. However, there are still concerns about illegal immigration and border security to be overcome.