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 drones and autonomous delivery vehicles.
Meituan’s drones, already operating on more than 30 routes across major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, have completed over 300,000 orders, further demonstrating the efficiency of smart tourism. China’s rapid development in smart tourism has also revolutionized how travelers navigate their journeys, with online payments, ticketing, and guided tours becoming the norm. Data from iResearch showed that the use of online travel apps surged by over 30% in 2023, reflecting this trend.
To meet the needs of foreign visitors, Chinese travel companies have embraced digital solutions. For instance, Tongcheng Travel launched HopeGoo, an international travel reservation platform that supports 16 global currencies and various languages, ensuring a more accessible experience for international tourists. As global travelers continue to discover the convenience of these smart services, China’s tourism landscape is positioned to attract even more visitors, making their journeys seamless and enjoyable through innovative technology.
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