China-New Zealand Year of Tourism launch a 'milestone' in nations' relationship, tourism minister says

March 30, 2019
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A launch ceremony for the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism has been described as a "milestone in the China-New Zealand relationship".

The Year of Tourism was jointly opened with China's Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang during a ceremony at Te Papa this morning.

"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," Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis said.

"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."

Mr Davis said he was pleased to welcome Minister Luo to New Zealand and to discuss furthering the two nations' cooperation in tourism. 

"It's a chance for New Zealanders to show our manaakitanga - our unique hospitality that promotes diversity, inclusivity and warmth to visitors from all over the world," he said.

"It is also an opportunity for all of us to learn more about China, so we can provide visitors with the best experience we can and broaden our understanding of their deep and fascinating culture."

Initiatives and events related to the Year of Tourism include Te Papa's Terracotta Warriors exhibition - the first return of the Warriors to New Zealand since the 1980s - and the upcoming Tuku Iho cultural visit to China, later this year.

"These activities will help to build understanding between our peoples and cultures," Mr Davis said. "I encourage all New Zealanders to take this opportunity to learn more about [China] a country with a rich and diverse culture and history."

Mr Davis will also visit China during the Year of Tourism.

Some people speculated the delay of the event was because the Government rejected Spark's bid to use equipment from Chinese tech giant, Huawei, to roll out the 5G network, citing "significant network security risks".

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