MARKHAM — Travel agents, media and China tourism representatives celebrated the Lunar New Year last night at a gala event hosted by Air Canada and China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

Guests were honoured with the traditional Chinese dragon dance before a nine-course meal.

“This is the Year of the Rooster, and the rooster represents loyalty, commitment and hard work,” said Markham Mayor, Frank Scarpitti. “I want to say thank you to Air Canada for their loyalty to the Canadian brand, thank you for their commitment to service their customers and to the entire team for their hard work.”

Many Air Canada and CNTA representatives gave well wishes for the new year and thanked attendees for supporting Air Canada and tourism in China. The CNTA highlighted its ‘Beautiful China – 2017 Year of Silk Road Tourism’ campaign.

“We’re supported by so many in the travel industry that work so closely with Air Canada and I want to thank all the individual travel agents for the great work that you do in your individual office,” said Scarpitti. “Promoting tourism, promoting travel and again representing Canada as you do your work, the relationship between Canada and China is growing all the time.”

Duncan Bureau, Vice President of Global Sales at Air Canada, thanked audience members for supporting Air Canada. The airline will continue to offer more and new products with the goal of reaching 250 cities and flying 50 million people by 2020, said Bureau.

The evening wrapped up with prizes including an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico and two free business-class seats to any Air Canada destination.