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The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Tourism New Zealand welcome the official opening of the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism.
The rescheduled opening ceremony, held at Te Papa Tongawera, Museum of New Zealand, was hosted by Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis, with special guest China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang.
At the official opening, Minister Davis spoke about the importance of the China-New Zealand relationship.
“The 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism – a milestone in the China-New Zealand relationship – is an important opportunity for our countries to strengthen cultural, economic and people-to-people ties through tourism,” said Kelvin Davis.
“New Zealand’s relationship with China is one of our most important and far-reaching, and tourism is a significant strand in our bilateral relationship.”
Richard Davies, Manager Tourism Policy at the Minister of Business, Innovation and Employment, said the Year of Tourism gives New Zealand an opportunity to showcase the things that makes it a world class destination.
“New Zealand is a unique place with stunning natural landscapes, great experiences and manaakitanga – a uniquely Kiwi welcome that promotes diversity, inclusivity and warmth to visitors from all over the world,” said Richard Davies.
“The official opening allows us to acknowledge the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism, and encourage people to get behind it.”
Tourism New Zealand General Manager - New Zealand & Government Relations, Rebecca Ingram said that China continues to be an important visitor market for New Zealand.
“Tourism New Zealand’s focus is on ensuring New Zealand remains a desirable destination and top of mind as an option for Chinese travellers,” says Rebecca Ingram.
“China is New Zealand’s most valuable visitor market. With the highest daily spend of all our visitors and a highly seasonal profile, our Chinese visitors help to spread the benefits of tourism throughout the year.”
During the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism, New Zealand's tourism sector and beyond is encouraged to think about what they can do to get their business China-ready.
More information about the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism can be found at www.cnzyot.govt.nz(external link).
Media contact:
- MBIE media contact: Anthony Bull – 027 442 2141 or media@mbie.govt.nz(external link)
- Tourism New Zealand media contact: Emily Hookham – 021 908 528 or emily.hookham@tnz.govt.nz
Apr 7, 2019