Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - The implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has led to a surge in inbound tourism during the recent "May Day" holiday, with a total of 10.896 million people entering and exiting the country, representing a 28.7% increase compared to last year [2] - Among the inbound travelers, 1.115 million were foreigners, marking a 43.1% year-on-year growth, with 380,000 entering under the visa-free policy, a 72.7% increase [2] - The trend of "China travel" is becoming globally popular, with foreign tourists increasingly exploring diverse destinations beyond major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, such as Xi'an, Chongqing, and Chengdu [2] Group 2: Changing Tourist Preferences - Foreign tourists are showing a preference for immersive experiences rather than just taking photos, as evidenced by the experiences of local guides like Vicky, who noted that tourists are interested in local culture and history [3][4] - The demand for cultural experiences is driving the need for guides to enhance their knowledge of local history and traditions to meet tourist expectations [3][4] Group 3: Emerging Opportunities for Entrepreneurs - New entrants in the inbound tourism market are emerging, with individuals like Wang Yi starting travel agencies to cater to the growing demand for inbound tourism [6] - Wang Yi emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural differences and needs of foreign tourists, suggesting that a demand database for inbound tourism is crucial for success [8] Group 4: OTA Platforms' Strategies - Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are ramping up their efforts in the inbound tourism sector, with companies like Ctrip and Fliggy launching various initiatives, including free half-day tours and promotional campaigns targeting international travelers [10][12] - Ctrip has established service points at airports and is promoting its "Super China" brand to enhance the travel experience for inbound tourists [10] - The integration of AI technology in travel planning and booking processes is being adopted by OTAs to streamline services for both domestic and international travelers [12]