Canada is due to send its first official tourism mission to China on Sunday after getting Approved Destination Status (ADS) from the Asian country.

The 40-strong delegation that includes provincial tourism ministers and tourism representatives from all 12 provinces and territories will travel to Shanghai and Beijing to promote the country as "a premier tourism destination."

During its five-day visit, the group led by Rob Moore, Canada's minister of state in charge of small businesses and tourism, will meet with Chinese officials, key tourism leaders and media.

Calling it an "important milestone" to be able to market Canada directly in China, Moore said that it is essential that the ADS program be handled correctly.

"We are really embracing the opportunity. After signing ADS it is important that we do not rest but continue to make sure that we have accessibility, that we have promotion and that we continue to respond to the needs of the Chinese tourists," he said.

"One of the most important things that we have to do to market ourselves is to make sure that when Chinese tourists return to China, they tell their friends and families that they had a great time and encourage them to visit as well."

Canada gained the ADS last December during Prime Minister Stephen Harper's visit to China, making it easier for Chinese nationals to visit the North American country. The approval was finalized during Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Canada in June.