Business Tourism on agenda in Shanghai

Tourism Minister, Malarndirri McCarthy today held a number of trade talks with tourism businesses in Shanghai, on the north east coast of China.

Minister McCarthy met with China’s premier Online Travel Service, CTrip, Qantas China and Mandarin MICE Travel.

Today’s meeting, with Ms Coco Yu, Director CTrip Asia Pacific and  Mr Mac Xiao Director Ctrip and New Zealand, aimed to establish ways in which the Northern Territory can be promoted more effectively in the China market.

“The Territory Government has worked closely with CTrip on a tactical cooperative campaign, promoting self driving itineraries from Alice Spring to Uluru to 30,000 platinum members of Ctrip, and we are keen to continue this relationship,” Minister McCarthy said.

Today the Minister also met with Qantas China General Manager, and former Territorian Stephen Farquer, the Shanghai General consul and Christopher Zhang of Mandarin MICE Travel.

“Mandarin MICE Travel is one of China's leading incentive agents with some of China’s corporations, and the Northern Territory can position itself well with this market, considering our excellent business facilities both in Darwin and Alice Springs,” said Ms McCarthy.

“Business tourism is a key priority in Tourism NT’s 2011-2012 Corporate Plan.

“The Henderson Government recognisesthat business events provide significant benefits to the mainstream tourism sector as well as being an important revenue generator for other businesses such as catering suppliers, retail shops, taxis, and event management companies.

“The Northern Territory Conventions Bureau has begun identifying and establishing relationships with clients in the Chinese market, in bringing their business events to the Territory.

“Through business events, the Government will leverage the Territory’s growth industry sectors, like oil and gas, mining, and renewable energy.”

Source - etravelblackboardasia