China, Canada forge strong tourism links
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For his part, Rob Moore, the Canadian minister of state for small business and tourism, welcomed the Chinese tour group and CNTA officials during their visit to Niagara Falls on Sunday.
The massive waterfall draws about 10 million tourists worldwide each year and is expected to be one of the most popular destinations under the ADS.
"I am thrilled to welcome the Chinese delegation to Canada," Moore said. "I am also glad to be able to show them some of what makes Canada a wonderful destination for our Chinese friends.
"With last week's arrival of over 350 Chinese leisure travelers, Canadian tourism has taken a step forward in terms of competing on the world stage," he said.
The ADS agreement, reached last December, was signed in Ottawa in June during the state visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to Canada.
Moore said he plans to lead a tourism mission to China this fall with his provincial and territorial tourism counterparts.
"This will be a wonderful first-hand opportunity for our tourism leaders to experience Chinese hospitality while promoting our own great country and learning more about how best to improve our tourism offerings for our Chinese guests," he said.
The Chinese delegation, which landed in Vancouver on Aug. 18, has visited the western city of Calgary, Banff and Jasper national parks in the Rocky Mountains, Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Ottawa.
