Minister of State Bernier Working to Strengthen Canada's Tourism Advantage in China and South Korea

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 10, 2011) - Following the successful launch of Canada's Federal Tourism Strategy yesterday, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), will be departing for China and South Korea next week with the Canadian Tourism Commission to help strengthen Canada's tourism advantage in key international markets. The Minister of State today issued the following statement in advance of his visit to China and South Korea:

"China and South Korea are important international markets for Canada's tourism sector. Raising awareness of Canada as a world-class destination for leisure and business travellers and gaining a better understanding of the expectations of Asian travellers will ensure that the sector can continue to grow and create jobs.

"Tourism between Asia and Canada is growing rapidly, especially tourism between China and Canada since the Approved Destination Status agreement was signed, and the future holds tremendous economic opportunity for our country. That is why our government is working diligently, under the Federal Tourism Strategy, to strengthen our ties with countries such as China and South Korea, to help position Canada's tourism sector to take advantage of growth opportunities, and to increase tourism revenues and create jobs in all regions of Canada.

"I look forward to productive discussions with tourism operators from China, South Korea and India. Discussions with Canadian businesses operating in China and South Korea will lead to a better understanding of the intricacies and opportunities associated with conducting business in Asia."

Throughout his visit to China and South Korea from October 9 to 15, Minister of State Bernier will be maintaining an online travel journal to share the outcomes of his meetings. For more information, please visit www.ic.gc.ca.