Australia to be the Country of Honour at the 4th Sichuan International Travel Expo
13 September 2017
With the people of southwest China, we will celebrate the best of Australia at this month’s Sichuan International Travel Expo (SCITE). Australia’s role as country of honour at the expo will be a highlight of the China-Australia Year of Tourism.
“There is nothing like Australia – stunning beaches, ancient cultures, great food and wine, dynamic cities and much more,” said Christopher Lim, Australia’s Consul-General in Chengdu. “We welcome more friends from southwest China to visit and experience the wonder of Australia for themselves.”
With over 1.2 million visitors from China in 2016, Australia is already one of the most attractive international destinations for Chinese tourists. Growing direct flights links and increasingly sophisticated travel services will allow even more Chinese visitors to enjoy our country in the future.
At SCITE, Australia’s national pavilion will highlight some of our top travel destinations, with visitors having a chance to immerse themselves in Australian landscapes through virtual reality experiences. At an Australian Products Market at the foot of Leshan’s UNESCO-listed Giant Buddha visitors will sample Australia’s world class beef, wine and other products. E’meishan’s JZ Hotel will host an Australian Food Week, where two award-winning Australian chefs will serve up authentic Australian cuisine for local guests.
The expo will also be a showcase of Australian culture, including with performances by Australian Indigenous dance group Descendance, who will bring their unique fusion of the sounds of the didgeridoo and the drums of the Torres Strait Islands to venues across Leshan.
An Australian Tourism Business Mission, comprising leaders in Australia’s tourism education, training and management industries, will explore opportunities for even closer business links with Sichuan.
“I hope the people of Sichuan join us in this unique celebration of Australia and of our growing relationship with southwest China,” Consul-General Lim said.