The mutual promotion deal involving the two UNESCO World Heritage sites was reached during a recent 10-day trade mission to China by local business and civic leaders.
In return, Ottawa will promote the Great Wall of China during this year’s Rideau Canal Festival, scheduled to run from July 30 to August 2.
“Marketing is all about repetition, and the more that they see the Rideau Canal internationally, the better for us,” says Jantine Van Kregten, Ottawa Tourism’s communications director.
“(Ottawa and Beijing) are in their 10th year of being sister cities. Anything that highlights our friendship towards the Chinese people is a good thing.”
Last December, China announced it would grant Canada approved destination status, which allows Chinese travel agents to advertise and organize group tours to Canada.
“We can approach this growing middle and upper-class in China, which numbers in the hundred of millions,” says Ms. Van Kregten.
She adds the two countries are working behind the scenes to finalize the agreement, which should increase the number of Chinese visitors to Canada.
The agreement won’t mean that thousands Chinese tourists will descend onto Canada’s capital overnight, cautions Ms. Van Kregten, noting local officials need to build relationships with Chinese travel agents and promoters.
That’s why Ottawa Tourism has been working to make inroads in China since 2006 in anticipation of Canada receiving approved destination status, she says.
“Even if we get a small portion of the market, we’re talking huge numbers.”
