Recently, the closing ceremony of “China-New Zealand Year of Tourism” is held in Guangzhou. Luo Shugang, minister of Culture and Tourism, Kelvin Davis, New Zealand minister of Tourism, Xu Ruisheng, vice governor of Guangdong province, Clare Feanley, New Zealand ambassador to China, and other honorable guests were present during the closing ceremony.
Luo Shugang expressed in his speech that the hosting of tourism year has enriched the ties between China and New Zealand, and pushed forward exchanges and cooperation between two countries in culture and tourism as well.
Kelvin Davis said that both sides have seen win-win results regarding the year of tourism, which allows New Zealand to showcase its national charm and local conditions and customs to an extensive and influential group.
Under the framework of the year of tourism, China and New Zealand have organized many colorful activities with remarkable outcomes. Both tourism departments have seen frequent interactions with each other. They signed a Agreement on Dialogue and Cooperation on Tourism Matters to make new progress in tourism collaboration. Besides, a promotional event themed “Beautiful China and Splendid Culture” was successfully held in Auckland and Christchurch. The New Zealand Tourism Administration also hosted a series of cultural and business activities to bolster cultural exchanges and tourism visits. Many travel agents of New Zealand come to China to seek for cooperation in tourism routes.
At the closing ceremony, ministers of two countries jointly lighted up the landmark-Guangzhou Tower. Moreover, artists from China National Traditional Orchestra, Guangdong Song and Dance Ensemble and Xinghai Conservatory of Music, and Maori band and Te Puia Maori HAKA war dance troupe jointly staged high-quality art and cultural performances featuring cultural convergence between the East and the West.