On December 16, nearly 100 travel merchants and influencers from countries including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, France, and Canada gathered in Guangzhou to embark on the "144-hour Discovery of Wonderful Guangdong" tour, an inspection activity for international travel merchants. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, the journey invites these merchants to explore Guangdong's rich cultural and tourism resources while fostering international connections and tourism opportunities.

Immersing in Lingnan culture

The journey kicked off with a culture and tourism promotion conference in Guangzhou, featuring traditional lion dances, the melodies of Cantonese opera, exquisite Cantonese embroidery, and the art of Wing Chun. At the cultural tourism promotion event, participants experienced intangible cultural heritage firsthand by trying on Cantonese opera costumes, exploring embroidery techniques, and creating woodblock New Year prints. Performances of lion dance and Wing Chun earned enthusiastic applause from the international audience, with many praising the artistry and energy of Chinese kung fu.

The event also highlighted the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a world-class tourism destination. Companies such as Trip.com and GZL International Travel Service shared inbound tourism resources with the travel merchants, fostering opportunities for collaboration.

Exploring Guangdong in three unique routes

From December 16 to 20, participants will explore three curated routes showcasing Guangdong's modern development, coastal charm, culinary culture, and natural heritage. Covering popular destinations like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Shantou, and Foshan, the routes offer an immersive experience of Guangdong's rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cityscapes.

Driving growth in inbound tourism

Guangdong, a key province for inbound tourism, has consistently embraced efforts to promote its cultural and tourism offerings globally. This year, the province organized cultural showcases abroad, such as lion dance performances in the UK, Cantonese opera in Singapore, and dim sum presentations in Indonesia. Guangdong also participated in international exhibitions in cities like Paris, Madrid, and Jakarta to promote the GBA as a premier travel destination.

The implementation and refinement of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy have significantly boosted Guangdong's appeal to international travelers. Enhanced convenience in payments, transportation, and ticketing at major attractions has further improved the experience for visitors. Key venues, including 4A-level scenic spots and top-tier hotels, now offer 24-hour foreign currency exchange services to cater to international guests.

These efforts have paid off. In the first three quarters of 2024, Guangdong welcomed 53.5 million inbound tourists, a 73.5% year-on-year increase, generating tourism revenue of RMB 126.5 billion, up by 96.2%.

A warm invitation for Chinese New Year celebration

At the end of the promotion conference, the organizer highlighted that the routes in this journey were designed to showcase the cultural depth and modern vitality of Lingnan region. As the New Year and Spring Festival approach, Guangdong will host a variety of festive events with Lingnan characteristics, inviting travelers from around the world to experience the charm of celebrating Chinese New Year in Guangdong.

(cnbayarea.org.cn & GDToday)