Canada visa issues restricting tourism and trade with China
by Harleen Kaur - October 25, 2010
Canada, 25th October: The fact that China is stepping up its efforts to improve its trade and tourism with Canada is evident from the recent visit of a Chinese delegation to Whistler.
On October 16, a Chinese delegation comprising of officials was accompanied by MP (Member of Parliament) for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea-to-sky region, John Weston. The group was joined by Bloc Quebecois MP Luc Malo, MP Daryl Kramp from Belleville and Senator Joseph Day.
This visit of the Chinese delegation to Canada marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Republic of China and Canada.
The delegation also included chair of the Canadian-Chinese Legislative Association and former Minister of Labor for China Zheng Silin.
The delegates discussed several issues including business opportunities, tourism, trade and international students in Whistler and Squamish. They also visited Quest University, Squamish and Olympic venues in Whistler to explore opportunities of business and education.
According to Conservative MP Weston, the distance between Whistler and the remaining world is shrinking.
However, the discussion also evolved around the issue of several Chinese travelers not getting Canadian visas to visit the nation.
Whistler is looking to invite increased number of Chinese tourists; however, issues of Canada visas are likely to hinder many of them from coming to Canada.
According to MP Kramp, the grant of ADS (Approved Destination Status) to Canada from the government of China resulted in 80 percent increase in the number of Chinese seeking Canadian visas. But, just 10 percent of Chinese wanting to visit Canada are being issued Canada travel permits.
The approval of ADS to Canada by the government of China allows Chinese people to visit Canada not just for any business reasons or family reasons but also for tourism. And this has resulted in opening up of a vast tourism market in Canada. According to available figures, around $10,000 is spent by an average Chinese visitor while vacationing in Canada.
Hence, there is an immediate need for desired improvements in the process of Canada visa to enable more and more Chinese visitors to visit and travel to Canada, Mr. Kramp asserted.
Mr. Weston reiterated the commitment of the Canadian government to make Whistler a favored tourist destination among Chinese visitors.
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