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5mo ago

China Restores Group Tours to Canada After Carney–Xi Meeting

The decision signals a thaw after leaders resumed top-level contact for the first time since 2017.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the start of a meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Oct. 31.
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Image of the map of the world, with half of the maple leaf, and the Canada logo, with the following text overlayed: Statement China

Overview

  • China’s Foreign Ministry said travel agencies can resume organizing tour groups to Canada after reviewing demand and conditions to boost people-to-people exchanges.
  • Ottawa welcomed the approval as an important step in a recalibrated relationship, while tourism leaders forecast a jump-start for group travel, rebuilt air links, and support for jobs.
  • Chinese visitors topped 700,000 in 2019, but industry figures indicate 2025 arrivals remain below 60% of pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the recovery potential.
  • The announcement followed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s meeting with President Xi Jinping at APEC, where Carney says he raised concerns about foreign interference.
  • Major frictions continue, with Canada’s tariffs on Chinese EVs and metals met by Chinese duties on canola, seafood, and pork, as Beijing also extended visa-free entry for select other countries.