Third "Chongqing Meets Australia" Youth Promotion Officer Competition final concludes

On July 5, the final round of the Third "Chongqing Meets Australia" Youth Promotion Officer Competition concluded at the Chongqing Window for International Exchanges of Culture and Tourism in Southwest China's Chongqing.

The "Chongqing Meets Australia" event, which uses English presentations to promote tourism destinations in both Chongqing and Australia, has attracted participation from over 20,000 students from more than 100 schools in the past three years.

Feng Yuliang, Second Inspector of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, said that "Chongqing Meets Australia" is a pioneering brand promoting cultural and tourism exchanges between Chongqing and Australia. The event is an exemplary model for cooperation and cultural sharing between the two regions.

Nina Dynon, Deputy Consul-General at the Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu, said that "Chongqing Meets Australia" provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen cultural and tourism exchanges between Australia and Chongqing. She pledged continued support for the event from the Consulate General and expressed a commitment to advancing practical cooperation in culture, education, and tourism.

Nina Dynon, Deputy Consul-General at the Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu,delivered a speech. (Photo/The event organizer)

Nick Henderson, Country Manager, China at Tourism Australia, added that this year's event has welcomed more partners and resources. Through enthusiastic promotions by the youth officers and extensive media coverage, more Australian tourists have discovered the beauty of Chongqing's cultural and tourism offerings, while more Chongqing residents have been introduced to the charm of Australia's world heritage sites.

Nick Henderson, Country Manager, China at Tourism Australia, delivered a speech. (Photo/The event organizer)

The third edition of "Chongqing Meets Australia" officially launched in April this year, drawing over 10,000 students from 61 primary schools across the city. After multiple rounds of competition, 34 contestants (with five tied) advanced to the final. In the final round, contestants presented in English on the themes "Discovering the Charm of Chongqing's Heritage" or "Exploring the Wonders of Australia's World Heritage," showcasing the vibrant heritage sites of both regions.

After intense competition, Zhang Houyitian, Gao Jingyi, and Yang Yaxi won the championship, first runner-up, and second runner-up, respectively. They received generous prizes, including round-trip tickets to Australia, travel and accommodation vouchers, and Airbnb accommodation vouchers provided by Tourism Australia, Tourism Northern Territory, and Airbnb.

After intense competition, Zhang Houyitian, Gao Jingyi, and Yang Yaxi won the championship, first runner-up, and second runner-up, respectively. (Photo/The event organizer)

The Chongqing Window for International Exchanges of Culture and Tourism continues to play a pivotal role as a municipal-level platform for international cultural and tourism exchanges. Hosting "Chongqing Meets Australia," and other exchange promotion activities aims to foster ongoing international cultural and tourism promotion, leverage corporate resources, and link various stakeholders to support Chongqing's inbound and outbound tourism development. This will aid in the city's goal of becoming a world-renowned tourist destination and a center for international exchanges in Central and Western China.

Nearly 150 guests, including representatives from the organizing municipal departments, the Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu, Tourism Australia, supporting associations, universities, primary and secondary schools, cultural and tourism enterprises, international airlines, and the media, as well as the finalists and their parents, gathered to witness this moment of honor.

The event was organized by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, the Information Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, the Communist Youth League of Chongqing Municipal Committee, and the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration, with support from the Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu, Tourism Australia, Tourism Northern Territory, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland, and was hosted by the Chongqing Window for International Exchanges of Culture and Tourism.

(Rao Dan, as an intern, also contributed to the report)