Whistler already attracts a good number of Asian tourists, and that is likely to increase.

Tourism Whistler has announced it will begin working strategically to attract tourists from the world’s most populated country and fastest growing economy to the famous British Columbia ski resort.

Whistler is a growing destination for Chinese tourists, and Tourism Whistler believes they could come to represent a significant percentage of Whistler’s visitation in the future.

This new effort follows the announcement that China is granting Approved Destination Status to Canada. Tourism Whistler has undertaken sales missions to China in the past, however this new status allows Canadian tourism organizations to work directly with the Chinese tour and travel industry and to develop opportunities for group travel from China to Whistler.

“The Chinese travel market is considerable and will only grow in importance as that country’s economy grows and people’s means and desire to travel increase,” said Barrett Fisher, president and CEO of Tourism Whistler. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete with other countries and destinations to showcase all that Whistler offers to Chinese travelers, and to work strategically with our members and tourism industry partners to drive new business to our resort.”

Whistler’s vastly increased international profile due to its role as Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games can be leveraged in China, according to Fisher. Awareness of winter sports is growing in China and the country will send a large contingent of athletes to the Games. Whistler’s proximity to Vancouver, a key gateway city between North America and China, also helps position itself as a destination for Chinese tourism.

“There is lots of work to be done, but we will continue to develop and execute sales and marketing strategies designed to take advantage of this emerging opportunity,” said Fisher.

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