China has decided to resume group tour services for Chinese citizens traveling to Canada through travel agencies, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning told media at a regular press briefing that this is the result of a comprehensive assessment of the outbound travel demand from Chinese citizens and the tourism environment of relevant destinations.

The move is expected to further enhance people-to-people exchanges between China and Canada and foster mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, she said.

"We stand ready to work with the Canadian side to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and hope that Canada will meet China halfway to provide a safe and comfortable environment for Chinese tourists," the spokesperson said.

(Cover: A file photo of Kluane National Park, Canada. /VCG)