Flag fiasco at Australian Tourism Exchange frosts China relations

Flag fiasco at Australian Tourism Exchange frosts China relations

An error which led to the Chinese flag not being on show at Australian Tourism Exchange’s opening event resulted in a frosty exchange with 125 Chinese delegates, an estimates hearing has been told.

Under questioning from Nationals Senator Ross Cadell, Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director at Tourism Australia, confirmed that the diplomatic incident had occurred after Chinese officials identified that no flag waver was present with the Chinese flag. The national flag of Taiwan and Hong Kong were both visible.

“China is one of our most important tourism markets, and, in my home region of the Hunter and Port Stephens, makes up a significant portion of international visitation,” Senator Cadell said.

“The incident at ATE draws attention to a complete lack of care by the Albanese Government on international relations, and, for the potential ramifications on the local tourism industry.

“The Albanese Government continues to slide from one political disaster to another.

“Whether it be the diplomatic incident at ATE, or the shambolic handling of visa cancellations, this Government cannot be trusted to manage Australia’s reputation.”

ATE was attended by 2600 people with China the largest of 37 delegations.