2017 has been designated as the China-Switzerland Year of Tourism. It has been co-launched by Mr. Jinping Xi, President of China, and Mrs. Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation. After a whole year of promotional activities, the closing ceremony was held on 7th December 2017 at the Beaulieu Theater in Lausanne. VIP guests included Mr. Jinzao Li (Deputy Director of China National Tourism Administration), Mr. Wenbing Geng (Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland), Mrs. Ineichen-Fleisch (State Secretary and Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, Federal Department of Economic Affairs FDEA, Berne) and Mr. de Dardel (Swiss Ambassador to China) etc. The National Traditional Orchestra of Heilongjiang (China) Opera and Dance Drama Theater provided a splendid performance to the audience. Among them, the classic Swiss folk song “Vo Lozärn gäge Wäggis zue” and the folk orchestral music “Radetzky March” received thunderous applause and brought the atmosphere to its climax.
Invited by the China National Tourism Administration, Mrs. Zhimin Sun (Director of the Chinese Institute Geneva Foundation) participated in the closing ceremony as Commander-In-Chief, drafting up speeches for Hosts in both Chinese and French as well as coordinating with all parties. Mrs. Sun accomplished her task outstandingly. The closing ceremony was a big success.