Foreign companies have been increasing their investments in China's tourism market as “China Travel” has been enjoying booming popularity after the country implemented a series of favorable policies for foreign travelers.
On September 10, China’s first coastal cruise for inbound travelers from Europe and the United States set sail from Shanghai’s North Bund International Passenger Center Cruise Terminal.
The high-end trip, themed "China Discovery" and tailored for over 650 foreign tourists, was operated by Viking Cruises, a leading Norwegian cruise line.
The cruise ship, Zhao Shang Yi Dun (China Merchants Yi Dun), the first Chinese-flagged luxury ocean liner, passed through ports in Zhoushan, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, and Xiamen, offering international tourists the opportunity to experience China's scenic landscapes and cultural charm.
Witnessing the surging popularity of 'China Travel,' the company will offer eight voyages for foreign tourists between September and November to meet the needs of the growing number of overseas visitors," said Tolstoy Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking Cruises.
"(This is) the inaugural trip of the Yi Dun. We are now bringing Americans on board the ship. To the best of my knowledge, it's the first luxury cruise ship under the Chinese flag. The inaugural sailing is today, and we are almost full of Americans. We feel that this is the right time to make investments in the Chinese travel market,” Hagen said.
On September 9, a delegation of 17 travel agent representatives from Los Angeles arrived in China to explore travel routes in preparation for expanding the tourism market to China.
The latest data shows that in the first seven months of this year, more than 17.52 million foreigners entered China. Based on the average spending of foreign tourists, this travel boom could directly drive consumption exceeding 100 billion yuan (about 14.18 billion U.S. dollars).
Foreign investment soars as China's tourism market booms under new traveler-friendly policies
