On June 27, TIAC and UnionPay signed a cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Shanghai during the recent China trade mission led by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism. Among the delegation was TIAC President and CEO Charlotte Bell and tourism representatives from across Canada.

The agreement recognizes the importance of the Chinese market to the Canadian tourism economy and sets in motion a collaborative approach for activities beyond 2018.

The MOU expands the existing partnership between TIAC and UnionPay to further advance TIAC's China Readiness Training Program, promotional opportunities for both TIAC members and UnionPay merchants in attracting Chinese visitors, as well as knowledge on Chinese visitors' travel and spending to help Canadian tourism suppliers meet market demands.

"In this Canada-China Year of Tourism ( CCYT), TIAC' s existing partnership with Union Pay has significantly bolstered opportunities for tourism businesses across Canada" said TIAC President and CEO, Charlotte Bell. "With the activities outlined in the MOU signed today, we look to the future with optimism and excitement as we continue to strengthen our partnership with Union Pay."

Since 2010, TIAC has been working with the Government of Canada to administer the Canada-China Inbound Tour Operator Accreditation Program. In 2016, TIAC launched the Canada-China Tourism Advancement Program to help SMEs get China Ready, with training sessions delivered across Canada. TIAC continues to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries by advocating for measures that facilitate access to Canada, securing market approved payment methods and partnering with leading Chinese organizations.

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