The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary Hosted

the 2018 CCYT Promotion & Spring Festival Celebration Banquets

In order to successfully carry out the 2018 China-Canada Year of Tourism as well as celebrate the forthcoming Spring Festival, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary held “the 2018 China-Canada Year of Tourism Promotion & Spring Festival Celebration Banquet” in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta on February 2nd and 9th respectively. Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Alberta Government, Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing; Members of parliament Randy Boissonnault, Michelle Rempel, MLA Thomas Dang, Jamie Kleinsteuber, Prasad Panda; Rob Knecht, chief of police of the Edmonton Police Service; Royce Chwin, Travel Alberta CEO; Cindy Ady, Tourism Calgary CEO were among the 500 plus attendees with other VIPs from local political, business, media, and tourism sectors, Chinese communities, Chinese enterprises and Chinese overseas students.

Consul General LU Xu delivered an opening remark with her warm seasonal greetings. She said the decision of 2018 being the “China-Canada Year of Tourism” made by both leaders back in 2016 was an ingenious idea with profound meanings. Despite being far away and different, China and Canada actually share more things in common. Traveling is the best way of getting to know each other and bridging the gaps. In recent years there are over one million people-to-people visits between the two countries. China and Canada are no doubt the most fantastic chapters of the book of the world which are worth reading. The Consulate General is willing to join forces with various professionals in the consular district to play the fabulous symphony of 2018 China-Canada Year of Tourism.

Minister Bilous and Minister Miranda delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Alberta at each of the banquets separately, congratulating the successful launching of CCYT. They highlighted the fruitful achievements yielded in the cooperation in the fields of trade, cultural and educational exchanges. China has been the second largest business partner of Canada and Alberta for years. Alberta will take the opportunity of CCYT to encourage more Albertans to visit China, and also welcome more Chinese tourists to experience the unique scenic spots and culture of Alberta.

Premier Notley sent a special congratulatory letter for the event, wishing CCYT successful. Jason Kenny, leader of the United Conservative Party in Alberta also sent a congratulatory statement.

Representatives from China National Tourist Office Toronto and Travel Alberta gave presentations covering tourism resources, the current state of tourism development, and prospective tourism collaborations between China and Canada. Both affirmed that they would take the opportunities of CCYT and the Giant Panda family dwelling in Calgary to promote further cooperation in tourism.