Statistics show that Vancouver received record 8.94 million arrivals of overnight visitors in 2014, according to Canada’s World Journal. Arrivals from China increased 25.8% and are projected to increase further by 18% next year. Helped by the devaluation of the Canadian dollar and addition of international flights, record arrivals are expected again for next year.
Tourism Vancouver attributed the record arrivals to the effective marketing activities in major markets and the close cooperation between the provincial and federal government’s tourism promotion departments, in addition to the exchange rate advantage.
The fastest growing visitor markets were China, India and Mexico, which were up 25.8%, 21.2% and 21.4% y-o-y respectively in 2014. China overtook the UK to become the biggest source of overseas tourists to Vancouver.
Tourism Vancouver expected another record year in 2015, with 2.9% increase in total overseas visitors to Vancouver in 2015, thanks to the lower exchange rate for the Canadian dollar, the expanding international flights network at Vancouver International Airport and more visitors from cruise ships and visiting for business. Arrivals from China, India, Mexico and the USA are expected to increase 15%, 8%, 12% and 4% respectively. (Translation by David)
