A group of journalists from China toured 15 locations in Louisiana in 10 days as part of a Media Familiarization (FAM) Tour, which brought them to Natchitoches on July 16.

After debuting a new line of cameras and lenses Canon wanted to showcase their equipment while simultaneously showcasing the majestic scenery Louisiana has to offer. Canon collaborated with East West Marketing, which has several representatives for the Louisiana Office of Tourism that promote tourism for Louisiana in the China travel market.

China is an emerging international travel market that the LA Office of Tourism is beginning to attract and this collaboration worked out well for all parties involved. Canon sponsored the trip and the equipment the journalists used. The LA Office of Tourism got the opportunity to show the journalists what the state has to offer.

The pictures the journalists take will be used with stories they will write upon their return to China. From sunrises to sunsets, from southern swamps to Melrose Plantation, their photos will appear int he magazines and travel sites they work for.

Cities visited include Natchitoches, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Ruston and Shreveport. Journalists included Min Ago, Xidong He, Xiaojing Wang, Sixiaoziao Ning, Pei Shen, Yao Han and Nian Li. Canon reps Yuzhu Men and Kehao Huang, East West Marketing rep Tyler Sun and LA Office of Tourism staff member Charlie Whinham accompanied the group on the tour.