A group of 49 Chinese academics and their families converged on Young on Friday, and there are high hopes they will spread the word about Young to their students and friends back home.
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The trip was organised through the Australian National University and saw the delegates visit various historic locations such as the Chinese Tribute Gardens, Blackguard Gully, the visitor centre, and a number of local businesses.
The group was welcomed to the gardens by Young’s mayor Stuart Freudenstein, before Young tourism manager David Newberry impressed them with a welcoming speech he learned in Mandarin, thanks to Gold Rush Motel owners, Kevin and Jenny.
Mr Newberry said there was huge potential to capitalise on Young’s unique Chinese history to gain a share of the Chinese tourism market.
He said the tours, which are becoming a mainstay on the Young calendar, go a long way to achieving this.
“China is becoming a really important market. Last year Australia received one per cent of market from China and that was still 600,000 people,” he said.
“If Young can get a small portion of that it will help us economically; the fact we have these Chinese connections really helps us.
“Not many in regional NSW have this link, they all wanted to know what happened to the Chinese.”
Mr Newberry said the group enjoyed the opportunity to get out to a regional town.
“They had a great time,” he said.
“They bought so, so much; wine honey, soap, whiskey from BlueStill, they bought a heap of stuff from Poppas, anything locally produced really, they were very keen that it was authentic produce."
University chairperson from the Hebei province Zhao Zonggeng said he wanted to tell his students back in China about the warm welcome they had received.
“We are deeply touched by the mayor’s introduction and we hope this symbolises our continued friendship and relationship,” he said.
“We hope the flower of our collaboration will bloom in the future.
“Although the mayor said the weather is cold, our hearts are warm.”
Dean of his department Fu Qilong was especially impressed with the Chinese Tribute Gardens.
“We’re very glad to see this special place, it’s a very good testimony to our friendship,” he said.
“There are very friendly people and it’s a very friendly town.”
The delegates said they hope to one day return the favour and host Young residents in China, a move Mr Newberry is keen to see happen.
“I think maybe we should look at it with the schools,” he said
“I think it’s really important we start building connections with China, which can start with the schools,” Mr Newberry said.