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Destination NSW has chalked up another tourism first, with a NSW-themed retail store opening in Shanghai this week. Chinese travellers will be provided with face-to-face information on Sydney and regional NSW destinations, events, experiences and travel itineraries.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the new store, which was part of a collaboration between Destination NSW and China’s leading online travel agency, Ctrip will target the 24 million people living in Shanghai.

“Never before have we opened a retail travel store and we are the first Tourism Organisation to do this with Ctrip, China’s largest online travel agent in Australia’s largest inbound market, so this is a major coup,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Located in the heart of Shanghai, the new retail store provides travellers with the chance to speak with a specialised travel agent to learn more about why NSW is the perfect holiday destination, whether it be for a holiday or business trip.

“The store will also host several consumer events throughout the year, highlighting some of NSW’s best experiences and major festivals including our fantastic regional food and wine destinations and Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Our State’s tourism offerings continue to be a major drawcard for Chinese visitors, and this new Ctrip initiative is a tangible demonstration of how serious our State is about growing the China market, which is currently worth an incredible $3.5 billion to the NSW visitor economy.”

CEO of Ctrip’s Destination Marketing Department, Jenna Qian said she was delighted to be working with Destination NSW to highlight one of Australia’s best travel destinations.

“We have already enjoyed a successful five-year partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW and to open our first store together in Shanghai is a major achievement. We look forward to leveraging our position as China’s largest online travel service to further promote travel to Sydney and regional NSW.”

The Ctrip Destination NSW Flagship Store will be located in Shanghai for one year and open from March 2019 until end of February 2020.