People communicate during the 2019 New Zealand Lifestyle and Travel Expo in Auckland, New Zealand, Oct. 12, 2019. The 2019 New Zealand Lifestyle and Travel Expo kicked off in New Zealand's biggest city Auckland on Saturday. (Photo by Sun Xueliang/Xinhua)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The 2019 New Zealand Lifestyle and Travel Expo kicked off in New Zealand's biggest city Auckland on Saturday.

The opening ceremony started with Maori's welcome dance and singing the Chinese song "Jasmine," performed by a Rotorua Maori family.

Ruan Ping, the Chinese consul general in Auckland said that tourism has indeed become an important part of Chinese daily life.

"China is New Zealand's second-largest source of overseas tourists. But in terms of holiday spending, China had already ranked the 1st and continues to grow. The free and independent travelers, which constitute 60 percent of overall Chinese visitors, are steadily going up."

The joint construction of China's Belt and Road Initiative is bearing some early harvests and will have deep and long-term impacts on the economy, Ruan said.

He hoped New Zealand will continue to create a good atmosphere and provide more convenience for Chinese tourists.

Guo Zongguang, director of the China Culture Centre in Wellington, said the expo provides an opportunity to promote the relationship among China, New Zealand and the Pacific regions.

Raymond Huo, New Zealand Member of Parliament, hailed the achievement in cultural exchange between New Zealand and China.

The expo is not merely about tourism, but also about promoting the good relationship between New Zealand and China in different levels, and it is not only in an economic and business sense but also brings culturally and socially meaning, Huo highlighted.

Paul Yeo, the industry relations manager at Tourism New Zealand, encouraged Chinese to bring friends and families to enjoy the unique scenery of New Zealand.

"New Zealand's second-largest international visitors' market is China, growing from a very small beginning, to be the second-most important source. We welcome our Chinese visitors, with 16 flights arriving in this country every week, not only in 2019 but also in the future," Yeo added.

The travel expo features unique New Zealand travel products, with approximately 80 exhibitors including tourism agencies, tour operators, airlines, and food companies across China, New Zealand and the Pacific regions.