China has gradually resumed offline events, and have participated in SATTE, Surajkund Mela, G20 Flower Festival and other events (Photo: India Outbound/Sameer Mohammed)
Wang Bin
How has the revival of tourism progressed in China?
With the optimisation and adjustment of Covid-19 prevention and control measures in China, the tourism market has gradually recovered, and tourism consumption confidence has been boosted. According to the Data Centre of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, during the justconcluded Dragon Boat Festival, June 22 to 24, there were 106 million domestic tourists, a year-on-year increase of 32.3 pc and 112.8 pc of the same period in 2019. The total domestic tourism revenue was RMB 37.31 billion, a year-on-year increase of 44.5 pc and 94.9 pc of the same period in 2019.
According to the Blue Book of China’s Tourism Economy published by the China Tourism Academy on February 20, it is estimated that the number of domestic tourists in 2023 will be about 4.55 billion, a year-on-year increase of 73 pc, and it will recover to about 76 pc of 2019. In 2023, the number of inbound and outbound tourists is expected to exceed 90 million, doubling year-on-year and returning to 31.5 pc of the pre-epidemic level.
Which are key source markets that are performing well?
The Blue Book of China Tourism Economy points out that with the recovery of commercial activities in countries along the “Belt and Road”, business travel will be the main support for the recovery of inbound tourism in the future.
How is India performing for China?
In the first 5 months of 2023, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General have issued over 60,000 visas to Indian people travelling to China for purposes of business, study, tourist, work and family reunion. It is believed that with the increase in flight supply and transportation price adjustments, the number of Indian tourists travelling to China will continue to grow.
What is new for an Indian visitor to China?
Cultural experience, natural landscape and diverse experience are the three most important considerations for global tourists when they consider travelling to China. China not only has rich natural and cultural tourism resources, but also has advanced and perfect infrastructure and green and smart travel services. The 19th Asian Games will be held in China soon, and Indian friends are always welcome to join in to appreciate the vibrant China.
Flight connectivity is still below 2019 levels. By when do you see it fully restored?
Since this March, the number of domestic passenger flights in China has basically returned to the level of the same period in 2019. In the first week of June, international passenger flights of China recovered to 39 pc of the same period in 2019. In addition, the recovery of the international passenger transport market is also affected by various factors such as international relations, the global economy, and the reconstruction of globalisation. The capacity of the tourism service system of the tourist destination country is still rebuilding, and the recovery of the international market will continue for a long time. It is estimated that by the end of 2023, international flights in China are expected to recover to about 70 pc of the same period in 2019.
How are you promoting China in India? What has been your engagement with the travel trade here?
We are basically promoting China on social media since Covid-19. Since this year, we have gradually resumed offline events, and have participated in SATTE, Surajkund Mela, G20 Flower Festival and other events, seeking various promotion ways to promote Chinese culture and tourism. Through the travel trade here, we got to know many outbound tourism associations and travel agents, established many exchange and cooperation channels, and laid the foundation for further promotional events in India in the future.
Are you planning any roadshows or participation in travel events?
India is an important source of inbound tourists to China. Many places in China want to attract more Indian tourists, and some local governments and tourism companies are planning roadshows and promotion seminars in India. We also want to attend SATTE and other travel exhibitions in 2024.
