"It's an education ... to make them aware there is a different payment system in China. Also, it makes it easy for tour operators to bring tourists and easy for regular individual tourists," Van Kregten says.

"Chinese tourists are more adventurous than before. They want to paddle a canoe or skate in winter and try authentic Canadian food. I think it's more of a true desire to learn how our lifestyle is different from Chinese."

Van Kregten also says 2019 will also be an important year for tourism from China, since it's the 20th anniversary of the sister city agreement Ottawa signed with Beijing.

The Canadian Tulip Festival's theme, "China-Canada Tulip Friendship", will mark the anniversary. And the featured species will be named the "China-Canada Friendship Tulip". Bulbs were available at this year's festival and will be planted in Beijing and Ottawa.

The annual event, held in May, claims to be the world's largest tulip festival.

Chinese tourism bureaus set up booths and promoted popular Chinese destinations in the Lansdowne Park Tulip Gallery, which features artworks inspired by the flower, at this year's event.

"(The 2019 edition) will be a great opportunity for our visitors to learn about China's tulip festivals and gardens," Van Kregten says.

And it seems likely the tourism year will provide more chances for Chinese to visit and learn about Canada, in general.

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