The campaign official of Shanghai World Expo was launched in Beijing by the Chinese and Italian officials during an opening ceremony with the traditional dragon dance. The global event was presented by the National Tourism Bureau of China in Italy, led by Xiong Shanhua. Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi and Caterina Cittadino, Director of the Tourism Development and competitiveness of the Italian Government, attended the ceremony. Sun stressed that the Shanghai Expo was a unique opportunity "to promote trade and friendship between the nations of the world", especially between China and Italy will celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year . At the Expo will be given special attention to tourism and bilateral tourism cooperation. Six months of the international event represents an important opportunity to spread awareness about the destinations of China and the task of promoting that is made by various Chinese tourism offices worldwide, said Xiong. "The Expo is not only due to arrive to Shanghai, but it symbolizes the starting point for the meeting of all countries. Shanghai will embrace the world. " Xiong announced the visit of a delegation of tourism entrepreneurs in Italy later this year, which for a whole month will tour the country to introduce China and the Shanghai Expo. For Caterina Cittadino, the relationship between Italy and China is special with respect to tourism. "Despite our diversities, Italy and China feel culturally close to each other. This is why the Italian government has invested heavily in enhancing cultural exchanges and tourism and we look forward to working more close between travelers. "Cittadino said that several of the best practices of Italy in tourism Expo to be presented, noting that it is as an opportunity to strengthen the Chinese perception of the Italian brand, which is already very popular in the country. The official presentation of the Shanghai Expo in Rome was the first in a series to be held across Italy. The same promotion ceremony will take place in the coming days in Florence, Milan and Parma.
