CHINA. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the reinstatement of outbound group travel to Canada, marking a positive step for tourism and the travel retail industry.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday (3 November), Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said the decision follows a comprehensive review of travel demand, the tourism environment and other factors, allowing travel agencies to resume group tour operations to Canada.
Mao said, “We believe this will further promote personnel exchanges between China and Canada, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
“We are willing to work with the Canadian side to provide more conveniences for personnel exchanges between the two countries, and we also hope that Canada will meet us halfway to provide a safe and comfortable tourism environment for Chinese tourists.”
The development comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea last Friday (31 October).
In their meeting, President Xi said China is willing to cooperate with Canada to bring relations back on track towards healthy, stable and sustainable development, Xinhua reported.
In related policy news, China has extended its visa-free entry scheme for citizens of France and other countries until 31 December 2026, and will introduce visa-free travel for Swedish citizens from 10 November 2025 to 31 December 2026.
These moves form part of China’s commitment to high-level opening up and travel facilitation. ✈
