Lisa Li

Managing Director, China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd.

Lisa Li was born in northwest China’s Qinghai Province and grew up in Xian where she was awarded a degree from Shaanxi Normal University and commenced her career with China Travel Service.  She moved to New Zealand in 1998 and attended University of Auckland, where she gained her Master of International Business.

Lisa was asked to open the New Zealand overseas branch of China Travel Service in 2000, originally to handle ground arrangements for inbound Chinese visitors; as well as outbound travel requirements for New Zealand travelers, shortly after New Zealand was awarded ADS status. The company also provides expertise in inbound and outbound business delegations.

The company has grown to become one of the premier China specialists. Lisa signed a MOU for CTS as the Chinese government’s tourism representative in New Zealand and witnessed the signing of the historic Free Trade Agreement, with tourism being included in the FTA.  She also secured tickets for the Opening Day of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai to showcase a New Zealand Tourism Seminar when China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd was the first to utilise the New Zealand Pavilion to entertain top Asian agencies with Kiwi hospitality.

Lisa is very active in Auckland’s business and Chinese community, serving as Secretary General of the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand as a founding member. She is frequently acknowledged for her contributions to bilateral business development; such as being selected from a number of Chinese business leaders as the “Best Relationship Builder” in China Business. Lisa is active in Tourism New Zealand initiatives and governance which has lead to her selection in the distinguished NZ Asian Leaders group.

China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd. had the distinction of being awarded the Number 1 CTS Overseas Branch for the past few years, which Lisa graciously accepted on behalf of her NZ team at the annual CTS Management Meeting in Beijing.