Anti-China policies have had ‘profound’ impact on travel, industry body says

Sector has been hit by geopolitical tensions and exodus of foreigners during the pandemic, according to head of tourism group

He says reviving international travel could help address misconceptions and calls for it to be part of the national strategy

Reading Time:2 minutes

Tourists visit the ancient city wall in Xian, Shaanxi province in May. Domestic travel is bouncing back after pandemic restrictions were scrapped. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 10:00am, 1 Jun 2023

Inbound tourism faces “huge difficulties” partly caused by geopolitical tensions and anti-China sentiment, according to an industry body.

Xiao Qianhui, chairman of the China Smart Tourism Association, said the exodus of foreigners during the Covid-19 pandemic had also had an impact.

He said promoting international travel would be a way to improve understanding of China.

Xiao made the remarks at a seminar in Wuxi, Jiangsu province on May 9 organised by the China Tourism Association and made public in a statement released last week.

“Inbound tourism is facing huge difficulties right now and we usually think that it’s due to the pandemic,” said Xiao, who was previously an official with the former China National Tourism Administration.

“That’s fair and true, as it pressed the stop button [on travel] shockingly. But the problem has not been fully caused by the pandemic.”

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x