Ottawa online initiative improves China ties

Ottawa Tourism has launched an online training program on its Chinese website: www.ottawatourism2.ca/china. It aims to help Chinese travel agents learn more about Canada's capital and improve cooperation with the Chinese travel trade industry.

On the website, travel agents go through a series of sections about Ottawa's attractions, history, geography and unique resources. At the end of the course, agents can take a test. Those who pass will be awarded an electronic certificate and become Ottawa specialists.

In June 2011, Ottawa's mayor led a mission to visit Beijing, resulting in a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Ottawa Tourism and Beijing Tourism.