China is as exotic as it gets for Americans, and that's pretty much how the Chinese view South Florida. 

"They have that 'been there, done that' attitude of northeast destinations, like New York,  and California," said Nicki Grossman, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Tourism Bureau. 

But they haven't been there and haven't done that in the Sunshine State, at least beyond Disney World.

"After a Mickey Mouse vacation we want to to give them a taste of real Florida," Grossman said.

The economy in the Communist country has been surging. There's a surplus of new money, overseas travel is rising, and the Chinese are looking for ways to spend their money.

"During the last 10-15 years, they've accumulated wealth because of international trade," said Anly Liu,  President of the Florida-China Chamber of Commerce.

The trend has gotten the attention of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Tourism Bureau, which is teaming up with state tourism organization Visit Florida to reel in an additional half a million Chinese tourists to the Sunshine State annually, with an estimated 60,000 coming to Broward County.

The marketing strategy is currently in the planning stages. 

"We're working with our tour operators and their tour operators to generate packages for Chinese traveling groups," said Grossman.

Last month, the bureau hosted several members of the Chinese media in Fort Lauderdale who are now writing reviews of their experiences.  Printed brochures and a Website are also in the works.  Liu sees this as a huge opportunity for both sides, not just for tourism but also for business opportunities.

Most international travelers to South Florida come from Europe with a growing number from Central and South America. However, Asians make up less than one percent of total foreign visitors.  Grossman said that's because it's simply a market Florida has not tapped into. 

"They have not been asked and Florida hasn't had the money to ask. Now we do, " she said.

For the first time, South Florida tourism officials are focusing on an Asian country to bring in tourism. If the Chinese respond, expect millions of dollars to be poured into our local economy. They're known to be big spenders. 

One major hurdle will be obtaining visas. But Grossman vows to meet that challenge head on as her international sales team continues to work with the U.S Department of Commerce.

If all goes well, South Florida will be in for an enlightening cultural exchange.