Chinese actor named as Italian tourism ambassador

Providing quality services and premium tourist experiences remains Italy’s priority for Chinese visitors, Italian ambassador to China Ettore Sequi has said.

Italy, with its rich culture, cuisine, sporting tradition and world-class shopping, is an ideal destination for Chinese people, Sequi said.

Chinese people now pay more attention to quality, which Italy can offer, he added.

A recent report published by online travel agency Tuniu has shown Italy to be among the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists during this year’s Spring Festival.

As part of a new campaign, the Italian embassy in Beijing on Thursday named Chinese actor Liu Haoran an official Chinese ambassador of Italian tourism.

The campaign will look to promote Italy’s attractions through Liu’s eye, who Sequi says understands the country’s charms.

“I fell in love with Italy after I visited the country, and I love the culture, food, traditions, and lifestyle there,” Liu said.

Liu said that young people can provide the best link between the two countries, and he hopes that, in his role as ambassador, he can help Chinese people understand Italy, and, more importantly, present China to Italians.

Italy and China are two countries with strong heritage, and both enjoy a long history of people-to-people exchange, Sequi said. “Chinese tourists will have an experience in Italy which is so different, but the same time, so close to their feelings and their experiences,” he said.

He said that people-to-people exchange is crucial in promoting bilateral relations and mutual understanding.