Representatives of tourism bureaus from around the world gathered in Beijing on Thursday for the second meeting of the World Tourism Cities Federation Council, giving them an opportunity to seal deals and exchange ideas on boosting business.

Among those destinations represented was Wellington on New Zealand's North Island, which is a sister city of Beijing. Tourism officials there have been working closely with Beijing officials in recent years to increase the flow of tourists in both directions.

Katie Sadleir, manager of Economic Growth, City Growth and Partnerships, on Wellington City Council, has been involved in these efforts and says they have already proved fruitful.