National Day holiday tourism consumption grows

China's domestic tourism and consumption showed strong recovery momentum during the week-long National Day holiday, with several provinces reporting remarkable increases in both visits and revenues, according to official data.

Central China's Henan Province, a cradle of the Chinese civilization and home to abundant heritage sites, received nearly 80 million tourists with a revenue of 56.6 billion yuan (eight billion U.S. dollars).

Compared with the same period last year, the visits received increased by 5.1 percent and the tourism revenue increased by 15.5 percent.

The country's southern economic powerhouse Guangdong Province received nearly 60 million tourists and harvested 53.7 billion yuan (7.6 billion U.S. dollars).

The national capital Beijing received a total of 21.59 million tourists during the Golden Week, 18.35 percent more in comparison with that from the same period one year earlier. The gross tourism income has topped 26.8 billion yuan, also marking a notable growth of 11.67 percent year on year.

The Beijing Central Axis, a newly-inscribed UNESCO world heritage site, has been a hotspot for tourists interested in ancient architectures and culture heritages.

"Every corner of the park is very beautiful, and I feel the general styles and customs of Beijing, which is tremendously delightful," said a tourist.

Fujian Province received a total of 38.2 million visitors, a 10.5 percent increase, with tourism spending up 11.3 percent to 31.5 billion yuan (4.3 billion U.S. dollars).

"We display our most typical pastry and presents with utmost enthusiasm, and our inherited handicrafts to people across the country. I wish everyone a good time in Xiamen during the festival," said Zeng Huashan, inheritor of Xiamen traditional handmade craftsmanship of Gulangyu pies, an intangible cultural heritage.

The catering industry also showed robust growth. Shanghai's dining consumption reached eight billion yuan, posting double-digit growth. In southwest China's Chongqing, the catering industry saw its turnover increase by 3.2 percent year on year.

Data from Meituan, a major online food delivery platform, showed average daily dine-in consumption in the first five days of the holiday increased by 33.4 percent compared to 2023.

"There are so many tourists in this National Day holiday coming to Qinghai to try our hand-held mutton. Diners had to wait in line for hours, just to taste the mutton," said a restaurant owner.

"I waited in line for half an hour, as many say that their steamed bun is very delicious. So I come to give it a try," said a tourist.

Along with booming tourism, the country's extensive trade-in programs covering cars and home appliances have beefed up consumption nationwide.

Analysts say the strong holiday spending reflects a steady recovery in China's economy.

National Day holiday tourism consumption grows

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition