Eight centuries after Italian traveller Marco Polo visited Hangzhou, a 26-year-old Londoner has got a job as ambassador for the Chinese city – the first foreign tourism ambassador ever appointed.
For the next year, Liam Bates will promote Hangzhou on social media, with the aim of encouraging more visitors to the city in southeastern China.
He was crowned the Modern Marco Polo at a lavish ceremony on the banks of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou at the start of his own personal 19-day tour of the city and surrounding area. The tour includes a four-day trip along the canal and activities based around topics such as tea, silk, traditional medicine and the art of sigillography (seal carving).
The “Be the Modern Marco Polo Program” was launched by the Hangzhou Tourism Commission’s Facebook page in March 2013 and attracted 26,000 applications.
The campaign included a Hangzhou quiz and Travel Gear challenge, as well as four online experience sessions connected to Hangzhou and China: My Chinese Name, My Chinese Menu, My Chinese Costume and My Chinese Love Story.
Candidates had to complete a minimum of three challenges and were also required to submit their CVs to apply. After shortlisting five candidates, each of whom posted their own video on social media and outlined their plans for the job, it was Liam who was chosen to represent Hangzhou.
The success of the Modern Marco Polo campaign led to Hangzhou being the most Googled destination in China in 2013.
“The most beautiful and magnificent city in the world” – Marco Polo
Hangzhou is one of China’s biggest cities, but retains its beautiful scenery and attractions such as West Lake – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the Grand Canal, which is bidding to be granted the same status.
