City of Orlando, Florida, Represented at International Tourism Conference in Guilin, China
Dick Batchelor, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives, and Doris Duan-Young, a member of the Orlando Mayor's International Advisory Committee, were appointed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer as ambassadors to the China Guilin International Tourism Exhibition (CGITE 2011) held in Orlando’s sister city, Guilin, in northeast China.
CGITE 2011 was organized by the People’s Government of Guilin, China Guangxi Tourism Administration, and Guangxi International Expositions Bureau, along with a number of local government bureaus. The exhibition involved 59 participating countries and was held in Guilin from September 16-18. Guilin is a city located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region and is well-known for its breathtaking landscape and the exotic culture of its local residents. It is also the sister city of Orlando, Florida.
The opportunity to participate further reinforced the real potential of the capitals’ ‘sister city’ relationship. Not only did Mr. Batchelor and Ms Doris Duan-Young have many occasions to enjoy the warmth of the host delegation but also they had a chance to introduce the city of Orlando to a vast audience of Chinese visitors, delegates and travel trade representatives.
Mr. Batchelor and Ms Doris Duan-Young holding the Chinese version of official Florida Travelling Guides at the City of Orlando booth.
By participating in the Guilin exhibition, there were countless opportunities to exchange information about the two cities, their agendas and common goals, thereby strengthening the bond between them. This can only enhance their common values and shared interests, thus cementing the basis of the relationship for years to come.
Orlando, Florida has been represented in China since 2008 through a partnership between Visit Orlando, the officially recognized sales and marketing organization for the Orlando and Orange County area, and VISIT FLORIDA.
Mr. Batchelor and Ms Doris Duan-Young with the exhibition organizer.
Video: Appearing in the attached China News interview are Dick Batchelor and Doris Duan-Young.
In order to view the interview, please click the following web link: http://www.chinanews.com/shipin/2011/09-17/news44404.html