The ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics have prompted a significant influx of Chinese visitors to the French capital, giving a boost to the city's tourism and hospitality sectors.
Chinese tourists are showing a growing enthusiasm for Paris during the Summer Olympic Games, evidenced by a sharp rise in flight and hotel bookings across various travel platforms. The increase in the number of travelers from China to Paris is among the highest globally, according to analytics firm ForwardKeys.
"I want to cheer for Chinese athletes and then take a look at the architecture and local customs here," said He Jiaye, a Chinese visitor.
Paris has undertaken extensive preparations for tourists, including enhancing services, streamlining visa applications, and promoting its iconic sites.
"I was ready with various anti-theft measures, but I feel that, probably due to the Olympics, the city is cleaner and seems safe so far, with police presence everywhere. And over the past few days in Paris, I've also noticed that the volunteers at the venues are very warm," said Wang Yunting, a tourist from China's Taiwan region.
The surge in visitors has brought an upturn for the hospitality sector. Data suggests Chinese tourists are responsible for remarkable gains, especially in premium bookings.
"Every hotel is pretty much fully booked. So, we have anticipation until the last day of the Olympics. I think the Olympics are a good crash test for the return of tourism in Paris," said Valentin Brietz, general manager of Hotel Monsieur George.
The Paris 2024 organizing committee estimates tourism revenue to exceed 1.5 billion U.S. dollars during the Olympics. Meanwhile, business owners believe the Olympics will bring long-term economic benefits by boosting the city's overall brand value.
"I sell more of the souvenir stuff and all that about Paris. People are asking for the Olympic Games products as well. I'm sure that business will be on the upside in the coming weeks," said Patel Samir, a souvenir shopkeeper.
Surge in Chinese visitors to Paris lifts tourism, hospitality sectors
Surge in Chinese visitors to Paris lifts tourism, hospitality sectors
Various activities were held worldwide to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 29 this year.
Recently, the Chinese Consulate General in Niigata of Japan, in collaboration with the Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater, delivered a spectacular visual feast for the overseas Chinese and Japanese audiences in Sendai.
The performance, featuring the elements of Dunhuang culture and the history and culture of the Tang Dynasty, attracted about 2,000 spectators. Many Japanese people praised the colorful Chinese culture and expressed their hope to go to China to see with their own eyes and understand Chinese culture and traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival.
"It's the first time I've seen such a performance. It's so gorgeous. I'm really touched. This Spring Festival event is also an opportunity for Japan and China to further develop friendly relations. If there is any chance for a performance like this in the future, I would like to come and watch it. I also really want to travel to China now," said a Japanese audience member.
"Happy to know that cultural heritage like the Spring Festival was included on the Representative List of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage, I think it's great to be able to celebrate such a festival in Japan. I really hope everyone can take a look and learn about the Spring Festival," said another audience member.
"We want to invite performers from Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater to present Dunhuang-themed music and dance which is full of Silk Road cultural elements. This will allow local people to see the mutual learning between Chinese and Japanese civilizations," said Cui Weilei, Consul-General of China in Niigata.
Budapest's Chinatown was alive with energy on Saturday as the streets were filled with music, dance, and the aroma of traditional Chinese delicacies during a two-day Spring Festival celebration.
The "Happy Chinese New Year" Temple Fair brought together numerous visitors and performers to usher in the upcoming Year of the Snake. They enjoyed the magnificent dragon and lion dances, ethnic performances, sugar-figure blowing, calligraphy demonstrations, and the unique experience of wearing traditional attire Hanfu.
"We come here because we have a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and Chinese traditions, and a special interest in Chinese music. I think the most important part of Chinese culture is Chinese food because the best way to bring people from all over the world together is to sit around a table and eat together," said a resident in Budapest.
Colorful celebrations and Spring Festival receptions were also held at many Chinese embassies and consulates around the world.
By showcasing Spring Festival customs and intangible cultural heritage, these events allowed local communities to experience the festive vibes of the Spring Festival up close.
In Dubai, over 1,000 performers and artists from around the world came together to blend traditional Chinese culture with modern art through a rich variety of performances, drawing a large number of audience. The airing of the Spring Festival Gala promotional video by China Media Group also became a highlight of the evening.
A reception was held Wednesday evening in Cairo by the Chinese embassy in Egypt to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.
Around 600 attendees including Zhang Tao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, Ahmed Shaheen, Egyptian assistant foreign minister for Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand affairs, representatives of the Egyptian government and people from all walks of life were gathered.
"On the occasion of the coming of the Spring Festival, I would like to send my sincerest wishes to dear Chinese friends," said Shaheen in a speech.
Celebrations ring in Chinese New Year worldwide