Ottawa Tourism has begun its first-ever Chinese-language tour guide training program in response to an increase in Chinese visitors to the national capital.
Canada has seen a rise in Chinese tourism since this country was granted “approved destination” status by China in 2010.
The number of tourists increased to about 25,000 people per year in 2011, but Ottawa Tourism says the number is closer to 26,000 today.
China is ranked fourth for the number of international travellers coming to Ottawa, just behind Germany, with the United Kingdom and France first and second respectively.
Misty Wade Hovey, the communications manager at Ottawa Tourism, says the tour guide project has been in the works for two years and has now finally become a reality.
“You have all these great intentions to get something running, but priorities come up that are more immediate and then initiatives take place and you kind of lose sight. So it’s always been on our radar, but it’s just nice to finally say that, yes, we are making some strides and we have some interest,” says Wade Hovey.
Applicants were required to demonstrate an interest in “Ottawa’s history, arts, attractions and community” and have fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese. Fluency in French and Cantonese were considered “great assets,” as well.
Six qualified applicants began their training last week, with three days to learn about Ottawa Tourism and top tourist destinations in Ottawa. They will have two months to study and learn more about all the museums, galleries, tours and attractions that the city has to offer before they will be tested.
Ottawa currently has audio guides available at attractions such as the Bytown Museum and the National Gallery of Canada, says Grace Xin.
Xin, the national director of the Canada-China Inbound Tour Operator Registration Program at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, says audio guides lack the human interaction that comes with a tour guide.
The tours won’t be available to visitors for another few months.