28-08-08

Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau & Washington state Tourism recently launched a series of marketing and sales programs in China to introduce its Gateway to America initiative.

An introductory launch presentation and seminar was recently conducted in Beijing, attended by over 50 travel media journalists and outbound travel agents & tour operators. The seminar introduced the travel value and benefits of Seattle and Washington state Tourism to this highly focused and valuable audience.

Seattle and Washington state Tourism recently launched their Chinese language website, www.seattle-wa.cn featuring travel details, things to do, as well as specific web pages for travel trade and media.

Additionally, an approved travel agent and tour operator program was initiated, offering a select group of outbound agents and operators a unique opportunity to benefit from joint marketing and communications with Seattle and Washington state Tourism in China. The travel agents and tour operators offer preferential positioning, marketing and promotion of Seattle and Washington state tour packages. In return these agents are supported by Seattle and Washington state Tourism with marketing, communications and promotional support through the activities of the tourism partnership in China.

Seattle and Washington state Tourism have also scheduled a media familiarization trip from China in September. 12 journalists will join the event for one week, touring Seattle and Washington state's numerous tourism sites, exciting activities, hotels and restaurants. The familiarization trip is being held in conjunction with Hainan Airlines, who has offered complimentary air travel for the group.

Seattle & Washington state Tourism will be exhibiting at the upcoming CITM show in Shanghai in November and plans to host several trade and media seminars and luncheons. An additional travel mission to China is planned for the first quarter of 2009.