London, September 2nd, 2024 – In a bid to capitalize on visa-exemption policies and streamlined entry payment processes for certain European countries, the China Ministry of Culture and Tourism has organized a familiarization trip to Xinjiang for European travel agents. This initiative aims to accelerate the recovery of the European market for travel to China.
Boosting European Tourism to China
According to a report by China News Service, the 2024 European Countries Travel Agents’ Xinjiang Inspection Tour kicked off on September 1st. A delegation of travel agents from across the UK departed from London Heathrow Airport on a Tianjin Airlines flight, bound for the ancient city of Xi’an, where they will begin a 10-day program. The itinerary includes meetings with local ground operators and tourism bureaus.
Collaborative Efforts
The trip was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the China Travel Office in London, Tianjin Airlines, and other entities. Zhang Li, the Director of the China Travel Office in London, highlighted the importance of inbound tourism as a reflection of a country’s cultural soft power, international appeal, and tourism competitiveness. Inbound tourism is an important way to promote mutual understanding and traditional friendship between our peoples, Zhang stated.
Tianjin Airlines has played a crucial role in facilitating the trip. The airline’s UK office noted that with China’s increasing openness and the implementation of favorable policies, the passenger volume on routes between the UK and China has surged, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The airline aims to provide exceptional service to ensure that travel agents experience the warmth of the Chinese people from the outset, encouraging them to bring more local tourists to China.
Personal Insights from Travel Professionals
John, the Managing Director of Kew Bridge Travel, is on his second visit to China. His agency specializes in customized travel experiences and often caters to clients with specific requests who are willing to pay a premium. John hopes that this trip, which includes stops in Xi’an and Xinjiang, will provide him with a richer array of options for his clients. Many first-time visitors to China choose to see Beijing, Shanghai, the Great Wall, and the Forbidden City. But repeat visitors want to see a different side of China, a more colorful and diverse China, he explained.
Giada, a professional photographer who works with several large UK tour operators, is also part of the delegation. She is excited about the opportunity to capture the essence of Xinjiang’s culture and landscapes. Giada has previously provided photos of the Great Wall and Zhangjiajie for various travel agencies. What I love most about China is that each place has its own unique culture, architecture, and natural scenery, she said.
Strategic Choice of Tianjin Airlines
The decision to use Tianjin Airlines for the familiarization trip was strategic. The airline’s direct flights to Xi’an allowed the travel agents to start their itinerary immediately, and its extensive network resources ensure smooth travel to Urumqi, providing a one-stop service for the group.
Conclusion
The familiarization trip is part of a broader strategy to enhance China’s tourism appeal and promote cultural exchanges. By showcasing the diverse attractions of Xinjiang, China aims to attract more European tourists and foster deeper cultural understanding and friendship between the nations. With the support of travel professionals and the implementation of favorable policies, the future of China-Europe tourism looks promising.
About the Author:
This article was written by欧阳开宇 (Ouyang Kaiyu), a seasoned journalist and editor with experience at prestigious news organizations such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and others.
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