Challenges for Tourism in Canada ~ A Bright Future ~ Interview with Minister Bernier

Challenges for Tourism in Canada~ as Canadian Minister Maxime Bernier shares his insight …

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams, Festival Nomad Gary McWilliams
Ontario Visited with
Canadian Minister of Tourism ~ The Honourable Maxime Bernier

“THE INSIDE SCOOP” ~ Interview with Canadian Minister of Tourism ~ The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Office of the Minister of State (Small Business & Tourism; Agriculture) focus on Canadian Tourism continues …

We now ask Honourable Minister Maxime Bernier what challenges does he foresee in increasing Tourism in Canada (domestic and international visitors) and could he share any future plans the Canadian Government has in mind or in place to accomplish increases?

Minister Bernier tells us there is a “bright future for Tourism in Canada”. One of the challenges is the “visa” process. While there are “visa” mechanisms in place, not all travelers are aware of the programs that are already in place. Minister Bernier and the Immigration Minister are working together on programs to make travelling into Canada more accessible. They are working in an effective manner to create programs where visitors can maneuver through the systems, making travel accessible on a quick and timely manner.

Minister Bernier’s office reports that Citizenship and Immigration Canada has almost 130 Visa Application Centres in 92 countries.

In order to visit Canada, citizens of other countries and territories will require a visa. This type of visa is called Visitor Visas. To obtain a visa you must be ready to answer a couple of questions. The questions are specifically designed to ascertain the reason of visit. Electronic travel authorization ~ Canada plans to introduce an electronic travel authorization for visa-free eligible nationals in April 2015. Minister Bernier tells us China has a program in place with Canada for “approved destinations” exit visas. If the visitor is coming to an “approved destination”, the visas are more accessible for them.

Increasing awareness of the programs in place is part of the Canadian Tourism challenge. Visitors from around the world may not know that travelling, even at this point in time, has become more accessible and the process easier. The Government is putting a large focus on the “Process”. If they can generate a system to make the “visa” process less prohibitive; more visitors from around the world will be willing to venture with ease to experience Canada.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams, 
Ontario Visited with
Canadian Minister of Tourism ~ The Honourable Maxime Bernier

 Stay tuned to “THE INSIDE SCOOP” Series of Interview Blog articles with the Canadian Minister of Tourism ~ The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Office of the Minister of State (Small Business & Tourism; Agriculture) … “Rendez-vous Canada”.