Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-05-15 11:35Group 1 - The recent departure of travel agents marks the gradual restart of the "China Travel" brand post-COVID-19, with a significant "familiarization" trip organized for 24 travel agents from the UK and Ireland to explore Guizhou and Guangxi [1] - The "familiarization" trip is the largest and most comprehensive in recent years, aiming to share experiences from China with European counterparts and the public [1] - The choice of destinations, Guizhou and Guangxi, reflects a strategic effort to redefine "China Travel" through cultural and ecological tourism [1] Group 2 - The UK and Ireland travel agents are part of a broader initiative to lower entry barriers for tourists, with policies like 240-hour visa-free transit and tax refunds being implemented to enhance travel convenience [2] - Europe is viewed as a strategic market due to its high outbound tourism demand and cultural curiosity, with Chinese tourist attractions hoping to attract more European visitors [2] - Despite the UK not being on China's visa-free list, data shows a strong recovery in UK tourist numbers to China, ranking eighth among inbound source countries [2] Group 3 - Airlines are increasing capacity, with Air China and Shenzhen Airlines operating 36 direct flights per week between China and the UK, set to rise to 39 during the summer, surpassing pre-pandemic levels [3] - There is a strong demand for mutual exchanges between the UK and China, indicating a positive trend in travel relations [3] Group 4 - Unique travel destinations are becoming new selling points, with a shift from traditional attractions to local cultural experiences, such as ethnic villages in Guizhou and longevity villages in Guangxi [4] - New tourism products are integrating modern development stories and sustainable practices, aligning with European tourism trends [4] - Travel writers express a desire to share authentic stories about China that go beyond conventional travel guides [4] Group 5 - Challenges remain for inbound tourism, particularly regarding visa processing times and complexities in countries that are not visa-free [5] - Language barriers and service quality are identified as areas needing improvement for better tourist experiences [5]