Seattle to host next year’s U.S. – China Tourism Leadership Summit
The 2019 U.S. – China Tourism Leadership Summit will take place in Seattle.
Visit Seattle and Brand USA will jointly host the 13th edition of the multi-day tourism event which will be attended by more than 200 delegates from the two countries.
The goal of the annual event is to build strong relationships between the respective countries’ tourism leaders and share ideas to promote tourism.
It comes at a critical time with an escalating trade war on the horizon and highlights the city of Seattle as a key destination for the Chinese market.
"This is an incredibly sensitive time for U.S. and Chinese relations for a number of reasons, but in Seattle and in the wider Puget Sound region, we are proud of the longstanding relationship we have forged through tourism," said Visit Seattle CEO Tom Norwalk.
"The event could not come at a better time to reinforce the strength of those bonds especially as China continues to grow aggressively as our top overseas inbound visitor market."
The city expects to welcome more than 205,000 Chinese visotors this year, generating about $266 million in visitor spending.
"It also provides Visit Seattle and our partners a compelling opportunity to showcase the best of what our region offers and position Seattle as a must-visit destination for the lucrative China market."
CEO of Brand USA Christopher L. Thompson said: "Brand USA looks forward to the Summit’s return to the USA in 2019, and we know Seattle will offer one big welcome to the U.S. and China government officials and travel and tourism industry leaders who attend."
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