Because of its increased transparency, US industry insiders view China's tourist sector to be more appealing

 Because of its increased transparency, US industry insiders view China's tourist sector to be more appealing

Los Angeles - Attendees of a five-day travel industry event in the United States believe that China's tourist sector will provide more prospects in the near future due to the country's introduction of more open travel rules, including revised visa requirements.

According to Carmen McLeod Whittaker of IHG in Atlanta, who was present at the 2023 United States Tour Operators of America conference, people are "excited to go there" and anticipate China to become "a top travel destination by mid-2024" as a result of its further opening up. Wednesday marks the conclusion of the USTOA annual conference and marketplace.

According to Kirk Demeter, tour operator of Asia Answers, "travel to Asia is huge right now... China is an emerging destination as well as expect to see a really good recovery in 2024."

More than 800 attendees from the 2023 USTOA Annual Conference and Marketplace attended the "Nihao! China" national tourist marketing event hosted at this year's conference in Los Angeles.

Guo Shaochun, the consul general of China in Los Angeles, attended the event and briefed attendees on China's travel-opening initiatives, including its new visa requirements.

The joint choices made by the presidents of the two nations at their summit in California last month will have a direct positive impact on their respective travel and tourism sectors. These decisions include boosting direct passenger flights, hosting high-level tourism discussions, and expediting the visa application process. Guo said.

"Our tourism industry-wide cooperation has evolved from the exchange of tourism markets to a comprehensive approach," he said. In the tourist sector, China and the US have established a high-level, all-encompassing structure of cooperation."

The majority of the guests were tour operators, so Guo also gave them an update on China's most recent changes to its visa regulations. She also said that as long as these regulations are continuously improved, American industry experts would be able to create more tour goods that are specifically tailored to China. will be beneficial while performing.

"You are welcome to visit China, appreciate its rich history and culture, see its breathtaking natural landscapes, taste amazing Chinese cuisine, and enjoy easy access to transportation and other tourism services," he said.

Terry Dale, the president and CEO of USTOA, told Xinhua that he had been to China twice and had some "wonderful memories" of the country, including viewing the Great Wall and enjoying delectable cuisine.

"The American people have a strong optimistic about traveling to China," Dale said. "I completely agree alongside what one USTOA member said: 'People won't ever rue going to China.'"

He declared: "The goal of tourism is to unite nations and reap the benefits of cross-cultural interaction. People realize that we are all the same—that is, that we are all human beings—when they have the chance to interact with one another in person."

"Our clients are prepared to travel to China." One of the world's greatest civilizations, China is quite breathtaking to see. It has excellent air connections, swift trains, and first-rate The CEO of Alexander & Roberts, one of the oldest tour firms in America, Bob Drumm, praised "the hotels and a wonderful cuisine that varies greatly by region."

China and the US have raised flying frequencies multiple times over the course of the year. According to data from China's Civil Aviation Administration, there would be an increase in direct scheduled passenger flights from 48 to 70 per week between the two nations during the winter-spring travel season.

However, travel agents like Martin Chan of Ritz Tours, which has been one of the biggest companies organizing trips from the US to China since 1999, anticipate more.

Chan said, "We are currently awaiting for more airline space – currently just is not enough capacity for flights to China to increase demand." Chan hopes to see more American travelers visiting China in the future.