Resort delegation to head to China

A GROUP of Queenstown business representatives and officials will head to China in October for one of the first events in the ChinaNew Zealand Year of Tourism 2019.

The Year of Tourism was an initiative between the New Zealand and Chinese governments to encourage tourism and cultural exchange and strengthen mutual opportunities for growing the relationship.

Destination Queenstown will lead the China Tourism Exchange delegation to three cities, including the resort’s sister city, Hangzhou, between October 15 and 20.

DQ chief executive Graham Budd said the exchange would provide a platform for Queenstown businesses to strengthen relationships with key travel trade partners in China, focusing on highlighting unique experiences and encouraging yearround travel.

It would also allow Queenstown operators to get ‘‘market intelligence’’ about Chinese travellers’ habits, he said.

‘‘Chinese visitors are a vitally important part of our visitor makeup, being our largest longhaul market by both value and volume.

‘‘The exchange will provide a forum for Queenstown businesses to connect with and deepen relationships with key Chinese contacts, with the intention to showcase Queenstown’s premium experiences as a collective.’’

Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult and his wife, Karen, will travel with the delegation.