Chinese have new friend for US tours

Capital Region USA, an organization that promotes Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland as travel destinations, recently appointed BrandStory Inc as its representative to establish a China office, adding to its others in Brazil, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

BrandStory, the Asian-based branding and public relations agency will further cultivate the tourism market in China and develop cooperative partnerships to draw more Chinese tourists to the eastern United States.

According to Reene Ho-Phang, managing director of BrandStory, the US welcomed more than 1.47 million Chinese visitors in 2012. That number is expected to grow by 229 percent by 2018 and will make China the largest market.

She said some Chinese consider education to be a prime objective of a tour to the US, which provides a great opportunity to expand the Chinese market because the eastern US offers many enriching experiences, including the history and culture of the country.

Matt Gaffney, president and CEO of Capital Region USA said he's confident that BrandStory will serve as a gateway for the bureau into China's fast-growing market.