Strategic Partnerships Open Greater Access for Chinese Travellers to Reach Alberta

April 24, 2017   |  

Travel Alberta signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hainan Airlines and with Ctrip as part of a China mission - led by Premier Rachel Notley - and in partnership with Tourism Calgary, Edmonton Tourism, and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.

The partnerships open greater access for Chinese leisure and business travellers to access Alberta’s tourism experiences. Strengthening Alberta’s relationship with key tourism providers demonstrates a greater commitment to the market, and raises awareness for Alberta as a must-experience destination for Chinese travellers.

 

On April 20, Premier Notley and Royce Chwin, CEO of Travel Alberta, participated in a signing ceremony for an MOU with Hainan Airlines and another with Ctrip, the largest online travel provider in China.

 

“China holds great potential for Alberta’s tourism industry and our partnerships with Hainan Airlines and Ctrip are key to support growth from this important market,” said Royce Chwin, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Alberta. “With the 150th anniversary of Canada taking place this year, this is an opportune time to showcase Alberta and the breadth of experiences available throughout the province. What better way to create top-of-mind consideration for Alberta than by cooperating with valuable and well-respected partners.”

 

Conducted from April 16 to 22, the delegation visited major China metropolitan hubs, including Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Beijing, to reinforce its long-term commitment to China through new partnerships and announcing exciting updates for Chinese travellers.

 

“By working with Travel Alberta, we aim to plan and organize more China-specific tours and products for the Chinese travelers who are increasingly venturing out into the North American region for travel,” said Ms. Chen Jiang, CEO of Business Unit, Ctrip.

 

 “Hainan Airlines has a well-established North American route network. In Canada we operate direct flights to Calgary and Toronto. The Beijing - Calgary route was launched in June 2016 and greatly enriched our Canadian travel products. We look forward to cooperate with Travel Alberta and join efforts to provide Chinese tourists more choices and convenience for travel to Canada,” said Tang Lin, Deputy Marketing Director of Hainan Airlines.
 

“We are pleased with signing of the MOU with Hainan Airlines, Alberta’s only commercial flight to China, based out of YYC Calgary International Airport,” said Bob Sartor, President and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority. “It’s a great partnership that will elevate the tourism opportunities in Alberta, with the additional benefits of flying from one of Canada’s newest and most technically advanced airports in the country.”

 

“I am extremely pleased to see relationships formalized through these agreements. Alberta and China have a long standing connection, through tourism and business, and our close cultural and family ties. These agreements advance our important work together. Congratulations to everyone involved. May these new partnerships be both highly successful and long lasting,” said Honourable Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism for the Province of Alberta.

 

A new website has been launched for Chinese travellers to explore the newest products, attractions and a wide variety of activities in Alberta for the upcoming year. With Canada celebrating its 150th Anniversary of Confederation, 2017 is the perfect time for Chinese travellers to visit Alberta.

 

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About Travel Alberta

Travel Alberta is the tourism marketing organization of the Government of Alberta. A team of youthfully spirited adventurers lead in marketing Alberta’s authentic experiences in breathtaking landscapes around the world.

 

For more information visit Travel Alberta's website and find us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter