Sidebar: Turn a virtual trip to a real trip

According to Destination British Columbia, China has been British Columbia’s largest overseas market since it overtook the United Kingdom in 2013, and is growing more rapidly than any other marketplace sector.

In 2014, BC welcomed 256,317 Chinese visitors - a 26.2 percent increase over 2013.

Marsha Walden, president and chief executive officer of Destination BC, said the strong cultural connection with China for the large number of people of Chinese descent in the British Columbia, in Vancouver particular, and the geographical proximity to China in comparison with other part of Canada, will boost the growth.

“There is a lot for Chinese guests to see in British Columbia,” she said. “We hope to see consumers turn a virtual trip to a real trip in British Columbia.”

In the Chinese market, Destination BC launched 59 itineraries, featuring 10 different themes, which include city sightseeing, food and wine, aboriginal culture, wildlife-watching, family retreats, outdoor sports, self-driving trips, cruise, hot spring and student tours.

From June to September, Destination BC will host a tourism product design competition called Follow Me to BC, with Chinese travel agencies, in order to encourage innovation in in-depth tourism products to BC. The aim is to create a unique, natural and cultural experience for Chinese tourists to enjoy.

Since Canada received Approved Destination Status in 2010, the Chinese market has become one of the most promising markets for both British Columbia and Canada itself.

Lijing2009@chinadaily.com.cn