TORONTO and SHANGHAI, Dec. 18,
2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey released today by Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global publisher of exclusive offers and
experiences for members, predicts a record number of Chinese leisure travellers will visit Canada in 2018.
According to Destination Canada, the official government body promoting travel to Canada, an
estimated 750,000 Chinese tourists will have visited Canada by the end of 2017, a 23% increase
over the previous year. In 2018, this trend is expected to continue. The Travelzoo Winter Travel Trends Survey* found that 88% of
Travelzoo members in China report they will be travelling to North
America in the next two years, and nearly all of them (97%) are coming for leisure travel. One-third plan to visit
Vancouver and 28% intend to travel to Toronto. These are
encouraging figures in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing in September
that initiatives intended to boost travel between the two nations will be launched in 2018.
"China and Canada are building a strong relationship in
tourism," says Lara Barlow, General Manager, Canada, for
Travelzoo. "From the top destination for the Chinese—the Rocky Mountains—to the most-visited cities of Vancouver and Toronto, Canada's sites look set to continue to attract
record numbers of Chinese visitors."
China is a significant market for the Canadian tourism industry. Statistics Canada has stated that Chinese visitors alone contribute more than $1 billion
to the Canadian economy, supporting an estimated 7,400 jobs. A 2016 international travel survey also conducted by Statistics
Canada found the average stay in Canada for a Chinese tourist is 24 days.
Chinese tourists are especially attracted by Canada's outstanding natural beauty. "Unlike 10
years ago, when the Chinese travelled to shop, we are witnessing a growing appetite among Chinese tourists to explore nature in
depth," said Yoyo Huang, publisher in Travelzoo's Shanghai
office. "Canada offers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet. Travelzoo in
China is working with suppliers to offer our members more opportunities to enjoy the types of
experiences they are seeking in Canada."
Canada and China have been working together on ways to make
travel between the two countries easier. Since summer of this year, travellers can now fly directly to Canada from 11 cities in China. Historically, travel visas have been harder
to get, but the recent opening of seven new visa application centres across China makes it
quicker and easier for Chinese travellers to apply for their Canadian visas closer to home.
Furthermore, the Canada-China tourism relationship is not a
one-way affair. "Travelzoo has also seen a significant increase in more affordable travel offers from a variety of Canadian
providers, including many packages under $1,000 including flights, making 2018 also a great time
for Canadians to visit China as well," adds Barlow.
About the Research
*The Travelzoo® Winter Travel Trends Survey was completed by 2,300 Travelzoo members in China who responded to an online questionnaire.
About Travelzoo
Travelzoo® provides our 28 million members insider deals and one of a kind experiences personally reviewed by one of
our deal experts around the globe. With more than 25 offices worldwide we have our pulse on outstanding travel, entertainment,
and lifestyle experiences. For over 15 years we have worked in partnership with more than 2,000 top travel vendors—our
long-standing relationships allow us access to the very best deals.
Travelzoo and Top 20 are registered trademarks of Travelzoo. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
Media contact:
Cat Jordan
+1 (647) 557 8617
cjordan@travelzoo.com
View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/travelzoo-survey-2018-to-be-a-record-year-for-chinese-tourism-to-canada-300572747.html
SOURCE Travelzoo