Sunshine Coast Welcomes Visitors From Sister City in China

Sunshine Coast Airport

The Sunshine Coast has recently welcomed 14 government officials as part of a Xiamen Tourism Bureau delegation to the Sunshine Coast region. The purpose of the visit was to gain a better understanding the many tourist attractions the Sunshine Coast has to offer and to show how tourism is managed in the region.

Gifts are exchanged

Xiamen, China is the sister city to the Sunshine Coast and this delegation follows a tourism trade and investment mission to Xiamen, China in October 2011, led by Councillor Jenny McKay."This has been a real break through for international tourism as the Xiamen Government has entrusted the International Relations Department with control of the itinerary, local transportation and most excitingly they will be flying directly into the Sunshine Coast Airport.  This has enabled us to provide our communities with the maximum exposure as part of their visit," said Cr Jenny McKay.

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) is supporting the mission and along with local operators targeting China will meet with the government officials.

SCDL CEO, Steve Cooper said foundation work to position the region has taken place through Sunshine Coast Council and Cr McKay over the past 12 to 17 years."The Sister City relationship with Xiamen provides a real opportunity to leverage an existing strong relationship with China. Key Sunshine Coast stakeholders are also intensifying promotion of the region and continuing to position the Coast as an ideal

Ginger Factory.

international holiday and business destination.SCDL and council are committed to supporting local tourism operators actively pursuing this market.".

In addition to touring the Ginger Factory, the group will tour Noosa, Montville, Maleny and Mary Cairncross during their visit before also heading to Cairns.