2019 is a really special year for lots of reasons but one is that it's the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism, a year for China and New Zealand to celebrate our friendship and to strengthen our already deep ties.
The Year of Tourism is an opportunity to showcase to China what makes Aotearoa a world-class destination. Stunning natural landscapes, unique experiences and products in Manaaki Tangata our warm and friendly Kiwi welcome.
Our Chinese visitors loved the same thing as many Kiwis do, to get outdoors and experience our wildlife and explore our native bush and our beaches.
中国访客和新西兰人有相同的喜好,喜欢到户外去,体验野生环境,探寻原生态丛林,漫步海边。
The Year of Tourism is not all one-way. Tourism is a driver of economic growth and cultural understanding for both our countries and it is an important string in the New Zealand-China relationship.
Like many Kiwis, I have been to China several times and was blown away by China's richness and diversity and I do look forward to visiting again.
和许多新西兰人一样,我本人曾经多次到访中国,并为中国丰富多元的文化所震撼。我期待再次前往中国。
I encourage Chinese and Kiwis alike to use the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism to celebrate our friendship and through it to deepen the already strong ties that exist between our countries.