Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Tourism Nova Scotia’s CEO Michele Saran participated in a week-long federal, provincial, and territorial trade mission to China in June. Throughout the mission, which made stops in Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai, one thing was clear: Nova Scotia, Canada’s second smallest province, has become a hot destination for travellers from China, the world’s largest outbound travel market.
Representing Nova Scotia, Michele was joined on the mission by Halifax International Airport Authority President and CEO Joyce Carter; Beyond Deep International Group President and Operation Director Jason Hu; and Atlantic Ambassatours Ltd. CEO Dennis Campbell. The group developed a better understanding of the Chinese tourism industry, made stronger business-to-business connections, and signed deals with Chinese travel companies from June 23 to 28.
The trade mission was led by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and then Minister of Small Business and Tourism, to strengthen relationships with key partners in China during the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism.
“Throughout the trade mission, I learned that Chinese travellers are most excited to experience star-gazing, enjoy our lobster and revel in Nova Scotia’s beautiful fall colours. Chinese travel professionals raved about Nova Scotia and what we can offer their clients. The China market holds tremendous growth opportunity for Nova Scotia’s tourism industry.”
- Michele Saran, CEO, Tourism Nova Scotia
“As the gateway to Atlantic Canada, we recognize the vital role we play as a facilitator for economic growth. This mission provided us with the opportunity to work collaboratively with Tourism Nova Scotia and businesses from our region to foster demand from Chinese visitors to our region. It further enabled us to develop key relationships as we work to improve air access for cargo and passengers.”
- Joyce Carter, President and CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority
“The China Trade mission was tremendous. It helped me better understand why our Chinese business has been increasing every year for the past four years. I can now help our team to better understand this market and how we can adjust and prepare to accept more Chinese business in the coming years. From what we learned, it seems as if this market is very likely going to continue to grow and we as a region should expect more Chinese visitation.”
- Dennis Campbell, CEO, Atlantic Ambassatours
“This mission was an incredible opportunity. As a receptive tour operator, Beyond Deep Travel has been promoting Nova Scotia in China for more than two years. This is the first time we’ve teamed up with Tourism Nova Scotia and other key partners from Nova Scotia to deliver a stronger impression to Chinese tourism industry. Many of the Chinese tourism operators and travel agents expressed interest in promoting Nova Scotia in the near future. We entered into a number of business agreements with Chinese businesses, including U-Tour, one of the largest tour companies in China. I felt very privileged and honoured to take part in the mission.”
- Jason Hu, President and Operations Director, Beyond Deep International Group
Visit Innovation, Science, and Economic Development’s Canada-China Year of Tourism webpage for more information about this initiative and for China travel market resources.
Related Links
Tourism Nova Scotia Announces Partnership with Chinese Marketing Agency
Tools to Help Your Business Get China-Ready
How to use the Canada-China Year of Tourism Logo