China’s travel agencies diversify to survive coronavirus pandemic, from selling local delicacies to live-streaming culture talks
- Many of China’s travel companies are staying afloat thanks to inventive new revenue streams – one has sold 10 tonnes of frozen local meatballs
- Meanwhile, firms are offering huge discounts – the ‘lowest in a decade’ – on packages for individual travel, which is now permitted again
As at countless companies across China, business at Bespoke Travel in Beijing ground to a halt at the end of January when the country’s travel industry was put on standstill due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Facing severe cash flow problems, the travel agent, which arranges tailor-made tours for foreigners visiting China, launched a series of online talks on Chinese culture and history in an effort to generate a new revenue stream.
The talks are delivered by old China hands – foreigners who have lived in China or studied its culture for decades – and delve into historic spots in the country.
Another talk on April 21 – “Shanghai, Sassoon and the Cathay” – told of how Jewish businessman Sir Victor Sassoon changed the face of Shanghai by building the Cathay Hotel in 1929 (where The Peace Hotel on The Bund is today).
