US Ambassador to China Gary Locke Promotes US Tourism in Changsha

"Changsha is a beautiful city with abundant tourism resources." US ambassador to China Gary Locke made the remark when attending a tourism roadshow themed "Enjoying Splendid Scenery in America" in Changsha on March 25.

It is the first tourism roadshow held in the cities of central and western China by the United States tourism industry. The activity is co-hosted by eight tourism enterprises, including US Tourism Promotion Bureau, All Americas Inc., Avis Car Rental, West Coast Golf Club and United Airlines. Changsha becomes the first stop of the event and the only city where Locke attends the roadshow.

The United States has attached great importance to tourism since the global financial crisis. Tourism has become American's biggest export-oriented service industry, accounting for 25% of American's service sector and 7% of the country's total export volume. In 2010, a total of 1.8 million jobs were created by international tourists.

The newly-established US Tourism Promotion Bureau values Changsha market very much. Last year more than 50,000 American tourists visited Changsha, and America received far more than 50,000 tourists from Changsha.

During the roadshow, Locke awarded a certificate of commendation to Tan Yong, director of Changsha Tourism Bureau.