Chicago, IL. ---- (May 13, 2005) – Congressman Bobby L. Rush announced today that he and the Illinois First Congressional District Council on Asian Affairs will host a “Tourism Fair” as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, to encourage tourism to many parts of Southeast Asia and East Africa, which were impacted by December’s tsunami on Monday, May 16, 2005 at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition to a recognition ceremony for local community organizations and individuals, who helped contribute to tsunami relief efforts, this all-day event will include cultural performances and representatives from Asian tourism offices. On hand will also be Jane V. Kostner, deputy director of Illinois Bureau of Tourism and Warren Tai, senior executive vice president of International Bank of Chicago.

 “The Tourism Fair was designed to help areas impacted by the tsunami and to honor the unsung heroes who played a major role in coordinating relief efforts,” said Rush. “It is also an opportunity to learn and celebrate the Asian Pacific culture.”

According to current U.S. Census Bureaus number, the First Congressional District of Illinois has an Asian population of 14,000.

Participating offices of Consul Generals include: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Philippine and Thailand.

The Illinois First Congressional District Advisory Council on Asian Affairs is comprised of Asian and non-Asian community based organizations representing Chinese, Cambodian, Filipino, Japanese, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Pakistani, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnamese communities. 

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