Chongqing - On June 8, the preliminary round of the 3rd "Chongqing Meets Australia" Youth Promotion Officer Competition officially kicked off in Southwest China's Chongqing. 

On June 8, the preliminary round of the 3rd "Chongqing Meets Australia" Youth Promotion Officer Competition kicked off in Chongqing. (Photo/Deng Yan)

This year’s competition saw a surge in applicants, with the number of participants in the preliminary round increasing from 300 to 600. This provided more opportunities for young Chongqing enthusiasts to showcase their talents on an international stage.

According to the competition rules, the 600 preliminary contestants will compete in six sessions, focusing on two themes: "Discover the Charming Chongqing" and "Find Australia's Heritage Wonders." 

From June 8 to 10, nearly 600 students from 61 primary schools will compete, promoting Chongqing and Australia's cultural and tourism heritage through English presentations. (Photo/Deng Yan)

A panel of 18 expert judges from culture, tourism, education, and media will evaluate contestants based on language proficiency, stage presence, content, and presentation. Scores will be announced on-site. The top 100 contestants will be selected, with the top 30 advancing to the finals. 

A panel of 18 expert judges from culture, tourism, education, and media will evaluate contestants based on language proficiency, stage presence, content, and presentation. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The "Chongqing Meets Australia" Youth Promotion Officer Competition aims to foster international perspectives among young participants through bilingual presentations promoting tourism in Chongqing and Australia. Since its inception in 2022, the competition has engaged over 10,000 students from more than 100 schools across Chongqing, Beijing, Sichuan, and beyond. 

In addition to the competition, a series of international promotional activities will be held. With the support of Tourism Australia and various state tourism boards, these activities will include a "Chongqing Cultural and Tourism Promotion Window" in Australia, photo exhibitions, business roadshows, and networking events, further fostering bilateral cultural and tourism exchanges.

Moving forward, Chongqing Window of International Culture and Tourism will continue to serve as a platform for international cultural and tourism exchanges, promoting brands such as "Chongqing Meets Australia" and "Chongqing Meets Thailand" to enhance Chongqing’s global cultural tourism presence.

The "Chongqing Meets Australia" Youth Promotion Officer Competition for this year is a collaborative effort between the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, Chongqing Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, the Chongqing Municipal Communist Youth League, and the Exit-Entry Administration Division of Chongqing Public Security Bureau. It is hosted by Chongqing Window of International Culture and Tourism, with strong support from the Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu, Tourism Australia, Tourism Northern Territory, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Airbnb, and Tianjin Airlines.