An estimated 1,000 Chinese tourists came to Vancouver for the Lunar New Year, thanks to Destination B.C. launching its Beijing office in October, 2017.
The Chinese New Year promotion program is co-hosted by Destination B.C., Tourism Canada, Tourism Vancouver, Tourism Richmond and Tourism Victoria. Marketing Manager of Beijing Destination B.C. Ying Hu arrived in Vancouver this week, to prepare the final stage of a series of Chinese New Year celebrations in Metro Vancouver.
Hu told Ming Pao News “Spring Festival is the peak season for people in China to travel. In order to promote B.C.’s winter tourism, we work with many travel agencies in China, design different travel packages and successfully attracted more than 1,000 people in 31 Chinese travel groups to visit Vancouver this New Year.” The travel package price ranges from $3000 to $6000.
Hu also mentioned that they have designed packages that include Chinese New Year events to allow tourists to experience local culture as well as celebrate Chinese New Year in Canada. These events include the countdown and culture showcase at Aberdeen Center in Richmond and the Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown.
In terms of accommodation, travelers stay at hotels in Vancouver, Richmond and Victoria. Hu said they also cooperate with YVR, B.C. Ferries and local wineries to provide a variety of activities for tourists to participate.
To welcome these Chinese tourists, the Capilano Suspension Bridge will be open earlier this Saturday and Sunday.
Ying Hu also mentioned that 2018 is the year of tourism between China and Canada and more tourists are expected to travel from China to B.C. this year. She hopes the Vancouver Chinese New Year program will offer people a wonderful journey and bring back more travelers to Vancouver this year.