BC seeing a slowdown of visitors from China

The provincial government has been touting a boost in international visitors to B.C.

But a closer look at the figures show the number of tourists from mainland China has stalled.

B.C. recorded double digit growth in the number of Chinese visitors in recent years, but that number rose by just 1.8 per cent in November, compared to the same month the year before.

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Part of the slowdown is due to air access. Although three new direct flights from Asia will land at YVR soon, Vancouver is seeing increased competition from other countries.

“We are moving in the right direction, attracting three big-sized Chinese carriers to Vancouver is very very good, and we are trying to open up with China in terms of air negotiations,” said Tae Oum from UBC’s Sauder School of Business.

“However, Ottawa has not done enough to open up air markets with China and the rest of Asia.”