The provinces in East China have increased their efforts to attract inbound tourists after the resumption of normal cross-border travel. The Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions have resumed travel with the Chinese mainland since February 6th, and the tourism industry is slowly bouncing back. The provinces are now welcoming their first batch of visitors, after more than a year of restrictions on inbound travel.
A group of 18 tourists from Hong Kong arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Zhejiang province on Wednesday evening, marking the first tour group from Hong Kong to Zhejiang since the travel resumption. This is a significant milestone for the tourism industry, as it indicates a slow return to normalcy after more than a year of travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group was led by Wong Shuk-yee, a veteran actress who expressed excitement at returning to Hangzhou after almost two decades. She last visited the city in 2003 and had one week off to travel around the city and neighboring regions. Wong’s visit signifies the resumption of cross-border travel between Hong Kong and Zhejiang, which will undoubtedly aid the tourism industry’s recovery.
The resumption of travel will provide a significant boost to the local economy, with businesses in the tourism industry hoping to increase their revenue. The provinces in East China have ramped up their efforts to attract tourists by providing them with more affordable travel packages, which include hotel accommodations, meals, and travel itineraries. They are also promoting their local attractions to draw more visitors.
The reopening of travel and tourism between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland is a significant development, and the provinces in East China are taking advantage of the opportunity to attract more inbound tourists. While the pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, the provinces remain optimistic that travel will soon return to pre-pandemic levels, with more tourists expected to visit the region in the coming months.
Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in East China has received its first tour group from Hong Kong since the February 6 resumption of normal travel between the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. A group of 18 tourists arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on Wednesday evening. It is a positive sign for inbound tourism in the region, and the local authorities have ramped up efforts to attract visitors.
Wong Shuk-yee, a veteran actress in the group, expressed excitement about the trip. “The last time I was in Hangzhou was in 2003,” she said. “I expect to take this opportunity to learn more about Hangzhou, especially West Lake, and try the authentic Dongpo pork and other specialties.”
The group’s five-day, four-night itinerary includes visits to various tourist attractions such as West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and the newly restored Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) Deshou Palace in Hangzhou. After exploring Hangzhou, the tourists will visit other places in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. It will be an excellent opportunity for them to experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of East China.
He Junmin, an official with the Hangzhou bureau of culture, radio, TV, and tourism, welcomed the group at a reception ceremony on Wednesday night. The arrival of the group marks the revival of inbound tourism in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and the vast East China region. The local authorities hope that this will be the start of many more such trips and that the visitors will have an unforgettable journey.
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the tourism industry worldwide. However, the resumption of normal cross-border travel has brought some hope for the industry’s revival. The local authorities in East China are taking various measures to attract visitors, such as offering discounts and upgrading tourism facilities. This will not only boost the local economy but also promote cultural exchange between different regions.
Hangzhou, with its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage, has been a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists. West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most famous attractions in Hangzhou. It has been a source of inspiration for poets, painters, and scholars throughout history. The local authorities are keen to promote the region’s unique cultural and natural resources and provide visitors with a memorable travel experience.
The arrival of the first tour group from Hong Kong in Zhejiang province after the resumption of normal travel is a positive sign for inbound tourism in the East China region. The authorities have made efforts to attract visitors by offering discounts and upgrading tourism facilities. It is an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. The local authorities hope that this will be the start of many more such trips and that visitors will have an unforgettable journey.
The recovery of the tourism industry in China is a top priority for local authorities who are keen to boost consumption and attract more visitors to the country. Efforts are being made at the city and provincial level to encourage travel and spending, and the government has introduced a range of measures to support these initiatives. Hangzhou’s Shangcheng district, for example, has rolled out a 28-point policy package offering free admission to all attractions in the first quarter of the year. Travel agencies will also be given incentives to attract tour groups to the district and use its hotels.
Furthermore, there has been a recent increase in the number of visitors from Hong Kong to the mainland, with 23 tourists arriving in Qingdao of Shandong for a five-day tour. This marks the province’s first inbound tourist group since February 6, which is an encouraging sign for the industry. The provincial capital, Jinan, has also announced plans to resume inbound tourism and increase efforts to attract tourists from both home and abroad. To achieve this goal, it will host a series of activities aimed at attracting tourists and provide subsidies to boost local tourism.
In addition to the efforts being made at the city and provincial level, Shandong has unveiled a package of measures to invigorate inbound tourism. One of these measures includes arranging 10 million yuan to subsidize tourism-related sectors, such as chartering a plane, taking a cruise, and organizing field-research tours to the province. Another measure is setting aside 20 million yuan to support tourism promotion in overseas markets. These measures will help to incentivize travel and spending in the region, as well as increase awareness of Shandong as a desirable tourist destination.
Overall, it is evident that local authorities are sparing no effort to help the tourism industry recover in China. With various measures in place to incentivize travel and spending, as well as attract tourists from both home and abroad, the industry is likely to see positive growth in the coming months. As the global pandemic continues to pose challenges to the tourism sector, it is essential for governments to implement effective measures to ensure a speedy recovery and support the industry’s long-term growth.