A group of 30 tour operators and press members from China are in Indian Wells today to learn more about opportunities to travel and do business in the Coachella Valley.

The first California Sunshine Charity Invitational Golf Tournament was supposed to be held May 13 at PGA West in La Quinta — near the anniversary date of the Wenchuan earthquake that killed more than 69,000 people. The delegation coming for the event was to include government officials, tour operators and media.

However, those plans changed early in May, amid concerns of the H1N1 outbreak reaching the United States.

The group in town this week does not include government officials, but local tourism leaders remain optimistic about the chance to showcase the desert to those influential in organizing travel from China to the U.S.

A trade show with valley hotel properties and other hospitality businesses is scheduled for this morning at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa.

That will be followed with a panel discussion and question-and-answer session between Chinese press and those active with the Coachella Valley Economic Blueprint.

Check back with mydesert.com and The Desert Sun for coverage from today's events in Indian Wells.