In 2013, the UK, the US, France, New Zealand, South Korea and others simplified their visa policies for Chinese tourists. With the implementation of visa-free entry to Mauritius, the number of countries allowing Chinese passport holders visa-free entry rose to 19, making outbound travel more convenient for Chinese citizens. A press investigation found that, unlike developed countries where middle-aged tourists dominate, China's outbound travel spending is mainly driven by young people aged 20 to 40. Tired of traditional sightseeing tours, and with the implementation of the Tourism Law, it is expected that in 2014, in addition to independent overseas travel, demand for personalized and customized travel will see explosive growth. Recently, various national tourism bureaus have launched their latest annual promotion plans, with new tourism resources, favorable policies, and themed events set to attract more domestic tourists to explore abroad and enjoy world-class vacation experiences.
UK: Latest release improves visa application services
Recently, the UK Tourist Board, together with the London & Partners, the England Office, and the Welsh Government, held a Chinese New Year tourism promotion event. At the event, UK visa officials stated that a series of convenient visa services will be introduced in 2014 to speed up and simplify the application process. These include a passport return service that allows clients to keep their passports while applying for a UK visa. For customers needing appointments outside regular working hours, “Golden Time” services will be available at six visa application centers. Other measures include the launch of a 24-hour visa service, further Schengen alignment, expanded VIP mobile visa service areas, website improvements, and expanded visa center facilities.
Must-visit destinations in 2014
The UK will host a variety of exciting events, including major sporting events and literary commemorations, with some brand-new highlights. At the event, Liu Huixin, Media and PR Specialist at VisitBritain, said that 2014 marks the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth, making it an ideal time to visit his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. In addition, major sporting events are not to be missed. The Tour de France will kick off in Yorkshire in July, and in September, Scotland will welcome golf enthusiasts for the Ryder Cup at the legendary Gleneagles in Perthshire. Every summer, London also hosts the city’s Festival and the London Food Festival, where visitors can enjoy numerous free outdoor activities and indulge in the largest open-air food festival. Moreover, Wales, just a two-hour train ride from London, is also highly favored by international tourists. It boasts 641 castles, three national parks, ten narrow-gauge steam railway lines, and a wealth of vibrant market towns. Strolling through Wales, every corner feels like a scene from a movie—natural and mysterious.
Expert opinion: Focus on developing emerging markets
In 2013, the Canadian Tourism Commission successfully held the “Canada, You’re A Star!” national campaign to select tourism ambassadors. Travelers explored different regions and routes across Canada, showcasing the country’s diverse and rich tourism offerings, and attracting all types of travelers to explore. At the same time, the Commission has also worked more closely with travel agencies aiming to develop more independent travel routes, designing many new types of products. They encourage and assist travel agencies to extend beyond traditional itineraries to include lesser-known provinces and regions, setting them apart from the more commonly sold traditional tour packages.
According to the latest tourism analysis reports continuously released by the Canadian Tourism Commission, the number of Chinese travelers to Canada saw a 19.1% increase in the first three quarters of 2013. It is projected that Chinese visits to Canada will grow by about 20% in 2014. Plans for the new year also include increasing the frequency of flights between China and Canada, as well as adding more direct flight cities to Canada.
Outlook for the Canadian market: Developing customized independent travel products
It is understood that in 2014, the Canadian Tourism Commission will continue to launch creative marketing campaigns targeting Chinese consumers, introducing more new Canadian travel destinations. The Commission will also continue to collaborate with priority travel agency partners to develop more diverse group and independent travel customized products. Promoting Chinese FIT (free independent traveler) tourism, further promoting Canadian skiing, strengthening cooperation with professional travel agencies, and expanding the Chinese B2B market remain key focuses for the Canadian Tourism Commission in 2014. Additionally, the Commission will continue to implement its global marketing approach and the highly successful “Distinctly Canadian” travel experience program. Furthermore, efforts will be made to enhance visitor interaction with the brand and promote youth travel programs to attract travelers aged 18–29 to visit Canada.
Four-season travel destinations
Canada is vast, boasting unparalleled natural scenery, uniquely diverse climates, creative and passionate cultural activities, and pleasant urban atmospheres. Each province has its own distinctive features: In Vancouver and Toronto, visitors will find great convenience, with many places offering Chinese signage, no language barriers, and plenty of shopping options. Alberta is a great place to experience the famous Rocky Mountains. On the east coast, Ontario is home to the renowned Niagara Falls...
Canada also offers a rich variety of travel products. Venturing into the inland areas of Canada, you can enjoy unique outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, rafting, canoeing, seaplane rides, fishing, and mountain biking. Self-driving tours are very popular in Canada and offer a comfortable and free-spirited way to travel. One highly recommended classic self-drive route is Calgary–Banff–Lake Louise–Edmonton. Travelers can fly into Calgary, Alberta, pick up a rental car, and drive straight into the Rocky Mountains, passing through the famous Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper, and finally arriving in Edmonton, where they can return the vehicle at the Edmonton airport, completing a convenient and relaxing road trip. Additionally, Canada’s climate is very pleasant in spring, summer, and autumn. Winters in Canada last from December to March, making the country well known for its winter tourism experiences. There is a wide range of snow sports, including skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and ice walking. (Yang Liu)