It was the night that saw Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy play with a dancing lion in a really big shed. What better way to open the inaugural Australia – China Tourism Summit?

There’s something particularly Australian about a shed, maybe it’s the corrugated iron, the exposed wood, the sheer size, so when selling Australia to the Chinese, Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal was the perfect venue.

Add to this, some Chinese drumming, an awesome lion dancing troupe (care of the Cairns and District Chinese Association), a red, gold and black colour and light scheme and the fusion between China and Australia seemed complete.

Delegates and guests were entertained by jazz star Chris Lloyds, the Black Swan Dance Group and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park dancers.

Stay tuned to e-Travel Blackboard for more news from the Australia – China Tourism Summit in Cairns.