Monday, September 23, 2024 China’s tourism sector is rapidly transforming through the integration of cutting-edge technology, offering visitors from around the globe an innovative and immersive travel experience. At the 2024 China Culture & Tourism Industries Exposition, held earlier this month in Tianjin, attendees were introduced to the latest advancements that are shaping the future of travel. One notable moment occurred when a Rwandan businesswoman, dressed elegantly in white, stepped in front of a smart photo booth.
Moments later, the device generated an image of her as a valiant figure with traditional Chinese features—showcasing the creative and immersive technology China is bringing to tourism. As a travel entrepreneur, she helps tourists from Asia explore African destinations like Rwanda, Egypt, and Tanzania, while also offering China-focused travel packages for African travelers. Her experience at the expo is just one example of how China’s cultural tourism sector is embracing digital transformation.
By the end of 2023, the digital cultural tourism market in China exceeded 1 trillion yuan (approximately 140 billion USD), accounting for more than 30% of the total cultural tourism industry. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for personalized, tech-enhanced travel experiences. Smart Tourism for a Seamless Journey The expo also featured Meituan, one of China’s leading online service platforms, where visitors were drawn to high-tech innovations such as.