The Panda Explorer circumnavigates Australia

The Panda Explorer circumnavigates Australia promoting China tourism 

As one of the highlight event of 2017 China Australia Year of Tourism, the Panda Explorer Trek’s launch ceremony was held in Sydney on 27th April, 2017. Organized by the China National Tourist Office in Sydney, a fleet of ten giant panda themed campervans began an epic journey around Australia. Over eleven weeks the fleet of ‘pandavans’ will trip around Australia from 28th April to 29th June 2017, covering 30,000 kilometres to promote China as a tourist destination.

The Panda Explorer circumnavigates Australia promoting China tourism 

The Panda Explorer will act as travelling information booths throughout the trek by handing out panda-themed giveaways, images and videos. During the 62 days, the team will circumnavigate the entire Australian coastline from North Queensland to Darwin and inland from Adelaide, past Alice Springs across Central Australia and through outback Far North Queensland to Townsville.

The trek is a crucial part of 2017 China-Australia Year of Tourism, a year-long promotion of tourism cooperation between Australia and China. The implementation of joint initiatives by both governments is to further improve tourism exchange and cooperation.

The Panda Explorer circumnavigates Australia promoting China tourism 

Mr. Luo Weijian, Director of China National Tourist Office in Sydney, said the trek will take China to hundreds of towns and regional communities at the same time give Chinese people an insight into diverse landscapes and cultures of Australia. “This is a first for China Tourism anywhere in the world. The Giant Panda are the national treasures of China and also the symbol of friendship,” he said.

Mr. Luo Weijian, Director of China National Tourist Office in Sydney, introduces the Panda Explorer event. (People’s Daily Online / Siqi Wang)

“China is a significant market for Australian tourism and the tourism partnership with China is given priority by the Australian Government,” says Mr. Tony South, the Chairman of Tourism Australia.

Mr Yang Zhi, Minister Counselor (Culture) of the Embassy of the PRC in Australia, addresses the launch ceremony.

Among other China Australia Year of Tourism activities, the most prominent highlight one will be the 1000 Australian tourists to be hosted at an official welcoming ceremony in Xi’an China on 14th September 2017. These tourists will have the opportunity to visit the ancient Chinese capital where a special Tang Dynasty Grand Ceremony will be staged for Australian visitors.

Mr Tony South, Chairman of Tourism Australia, addresses the launch ceremony.