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.