Shanghai, China, June 27, 2018 - TIAC and UnionPay sign a cooperation MOU during a China trade mission led by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism. 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 to 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. Activities outlined on the MOU include incentives to Canadian organizations that participate in TIAC's China Readiness Training Program; UnionPay in partnership with Canadian Acquirers, will provide a full range of products, services and support including POS, Online Payment, Contactless, and Mobile Payment to Canadian Tourism Industry players; UnionPay will provide promotional platforms and campaign opportunities for TIAC members and TIAC will update its members on the benefits of UnionPay and its promotional activities.

"In the year of the Canada-China Year of Tourism (CCYT) TIAC' s existing partnership with UnionPay has significantly bolstered opportunities for tourism business 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 UnionPay."

"Deepening cooperation with TIAC will make it possible to provide safer and more convenient payment services for Chinese tourists visiting Canada and promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in economy and tourism" said Chairman of China UnionPay, Ge, Huayong. "In the future, UnionPay will continue to deepen cross-border cooperation with government tourism departments, tourism organizations and travel agencies, accelerate the improvement of tourism payment environment, and enhance travel and purchasing experience of tourists."

"As we celebrate the Canada-China Year of Tourism, this tourism trade mission to China is helping to develop and build on existing business-to-business relationships for our federal, provincial and territorial partners and tourism businesses" said The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism. "This partnership will enable our countries to strengthen our connections and further recognize the importance of the Chinese market to the Canadian tourism industry as we work toward our goal of doubling two-way trade by 2025."

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 SME's 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.

UnionPay is the preferred payment service provider for Chinese tourists and other visitors from the Asia Pacific region. It has been operating in Canada since 2009 and is under the supervision of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC). To date, UnionPay cards are issued in 48 countries and regions, and are accepted in 169 countries and regions around the world. In Canada, 90 per cent of ATMs and over 150,000 merchants accept UnionPay cards.  UnionPay mobile QuickPass is also accepted at some retail and convenient stores in Canada. UnionPay is also accepted online at all Canadian Visa Application Centers in China.

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For more information please contact:

Vince Accardi
Director, Policy and Stakeholder Relations
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
613-238-6251
vaccardi@tiac.travel

About TIAC
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is the only national organization representing the full cross section of the tourism industry in Canada. Our membership is derived of businesses representing transportation, accommodations, destinations and attractions from coast to coast to coast. TIAC's mission seeks to encourage a healthy Canadian tourism market by increasing international visitation to Canada.