Lai Changxing Does Serious Damage to Canada’s Tourism Industry
China has agreements with more than 80 countries but will not let Canada have an "Approved Destination Status" agreement.
There are two reasons for this hurt on Canada’s tourism industry and both seem to be political.
1. Canada gave honorary citizenship to the Dalai Lama.
2. Canada is giving refuge to Lai Changxing, China’s most wanted international fugitive – charged with smuggling.
As a result, perhaps 10-15 people a week is all that visit the Canadian Tourism Commission Office in Beijing.
Canada is missing out on China’s estimated 120 million foreign trips per year who spend an average of $1,800 on hotels and shopping.
What is 120 million x $1,800.
Now Canada has only 700,000 such visitors.
Canada is forbidden to make direct-consumer advertising to the Chinese about tourism.
This is not the first time, that politics has gotten in the way of business, in this case, Canada’s tourism industry.
What do you think?
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30/08/2006
how stupid is this act – to protect a fugitive. worst of all, canada has been doing this since 2000 – way too long.
30/08/2006
Action you take, Consequence you take.
31/08/2006
This is politics at its best or worst depending on how you see it. Years from now, i think both nations will look back at this and laugh at they’re child like behavior. And If this situation still exists years from now, I’LL sit back and laugh at both of them.
08/11/2007
Way to go Canada!
08/11/2007
Yes!!
08/11/2007
Woo Hoo!!!