Banff National Park Is Ready to Welcome ADS

China Grants Canada Approved Destination Status

BANFF NATIONAL PARK, Alberta, Canada , Dec. 3 /CNW/ - Canada's iconic tourism destination has been proudly hosting international visitors for over a century. Today's announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper is fantastic news and Banff and Lake Louise are ready to welcome leisure travellers from China to our world class destination. The government of China has granted Canada Approved Destination Status which bodes well for the future of tourism to Canada and the Canadian Rockies. Banff Lake Louise Tourism and its members have been actively engaged in laying groundwork and are ready for this emerging tourism market opportunity.

"We are thrilled to showcase our national parks, Canada's pride and joy, to future Chinese travellers. It is a great opportunity to share Canada's vision of environmental stewardship," says Julie Canning , President and CEO of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. This announcement now opens the doors for our tourism organization to market directly into China to promote the protected mountain landscapes of Banff National Park.

Banff National Park offers all of the comforts and amenities expected by the international traveller and we are ready to extend a warm welcome to those who wish to travel to our unique destination. We are well prepared to welcome the estimated 50% increase in visitation from Chinese travellers by 2015.

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Banff Lake Louise Tourism is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership. For travel media inquiries, please contact Tulene Steiestol at [email protected], www.banfflakelouise.com.

For further information: Contact: Tulene Steiestol, Senior Manager, Travel Media Relations, Office: [phone]