China offers sliver of hope to hammered global tourism industry

Inject hope

China's effective containment of the virus and its steady economic recovery would rekindle hope for the global tourism industry that continues to reel under the effect of the pandemic, experts said at a forum in the ongoing CIFTIS in Beijing.

"We will share with the world China's anti-epidemic measures and its experience in recovering the tourism sector," said Li Baochun, executive deputy secretary-general of the World Tourism Cities Federation.

It is encouraging to see that some Chinese have resumed traveling and retail spending in recent months. While the domestic tourism market is steadily recovering, outbound travel may not be too far behind after the global pandemic subsides and borders are reopened, Li said.

Dai Bin, director of the China Tourism Academy, said the pandemic will lead to some changes in people's travel habits, which travel agencies should pay heed to.

In a post-pandemic world, independent travels, self-guided trips and smaller group tours would be among the popular travel choices. In contrast, virus-wary residents may hesitate to take large group tours or cruise trips, Dai said.

Some experts also pointed out in addition to strengthening global cooperation and stimulating demand for traveling, countries should use modern technologies such as big data to upgrade the industry and promote its high-quality development.