The Canada-China Inbound Tour Operator Accreditation Program

The process of approving Canadian tour operators so that they can accept Chinese group tours has now begun.

The Canada-China Inbound Tour Operator Accreditation Office (ITOAO) is now accepting applications from tour operators, and will begin posting the list of accredited operators shortly. Those who wish to begin accepting Chinese tour groups for this coming Summer season are strongly encouraged to apply now to be accredited without delay.

Background
China granted Canada Approved Destination Status (ADS) in December 2009, an arrangement that allows Chinese nationals to travel to Canada in a leisure group tour format.   ADS permits tour operators accredited in Canada to receive Chinese nationals into this country through travel agents approved in China.  ADS also allows the Canadian Tourism Commission to begin to actively promote and market Canada as a leisure destination in China.

A list of FAQs about the Canada-China Inbound Tour Operators Accreditation Program has been prepared to address some of the questions that tour operators may have about the Approved Destination Status accreditation program.

In Canada, accreditation is performed by the Canada-China Inbound Tour Operator Accreditation Office. This office reviews and monitors the overall performance of the accreditation program in Canada and is responsible for decisions regarding the approval, sanctioning and/or withdrawal of approved tour operators in Canada.
Applicants seeking to provide Chinese leisure group tours should apply for approval from the (ITOAO). Accredited tour operators will be approved for one year and must re-apply each year for renewal of their accredited status. Approval is not automatic in subsequent years. In the first year, applicants will be subject to a detailed assessment by ITOAO.  Near the end of each twelve-month period, ADS renewal applications will have to be submitted for approval for the following year.

For more information the Canada-China Inbound Tour Operators Accreditation Program, please visit the ITOAP website at www.tiac.travel/china, or contact Nikki Janecka, ADS Administrator (613-688-1467, njanecka@tiac.travel)