DSC_0183 - Welcome to the Active America China Luncheon hosted by Travel South USA. Over 60 tour operators and media from China attended this educational and engaging luncheon at the Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georiga on April 15, 2009.

Chad Prosser - Official Welcome from Chad Prosser, DIrector General, South Carolina Tourism and 2009 Chairman, Travel South USA.

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DSC_0200 - As our guested entered the ballroom, they had a quick moment to pose with Scarlett and Rhett from the classic, Gone with the Wind.

DSC_0202 - So much interest in photography, lunch began late. But we are happy to worry about this another day!

DSC_0203 - Chinese guests are unexpectly surprised with literature and gifts, displaying true "southern hospitaliy".

DSC_0179 - Thanks to our southern partners, each table was decorated with a Travel South USA Sales Kit exclusively for Chinese operators. The kit contains an introduction to the southern region, a map with gateway cities highlighted, beautiful photography, city tour itineraries, must see attractions, mulit-state attractions, large corporations, upcoming conventions in the reason and a list of receptive operators. WOW! so much information and cute horse too.

DSC_0214 - Cheryl Hatcher, Chief Marketing Officer, Kentucky Tourism invites the group to come to the races. Donning the Derby look - Hat's required! - each guest has a horse they want to win.

DSC_0224 - Rounding the bend - and which horse will win?

DSC_0226 - One lucky person at each table who was rooting for horse # 2 wins.

DSC_0227 - Lucky winners! Now which gift to chose?

P1010015 - After the races - it is off to work - one on one appointments between tourism representatives and chines tour companies. Here Dolly Chewning from South Carolina discusses golf course in Charleston and Myrlte Beach with the help of an interpreter.

P1010004 - Kathy Johnson from West Virginia and Renee Robison from Arkansas explain the myraid of outdoor adventures available in the South with the help of Qingyun Sun, Ph.D, Assistant, China Affiairs to Governor Joe Machin III (WV)

Active America China- Sales meetings - A very interested tour operator meets with Kevin Langston and Stella Xu with Georgia Tourism