H.E. Li Xuhang, Consul General of People’s Republic of China in Dubai, Xiao Jianhua, the head of the China Tourism Promotion Group, H.H. Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum and Hoor Al Khaja from DTCM were all present at the “Beautiful China” 2019 Asian Tourism series, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. The promotion which saw over 220 representatives from the tourism and media of the two countries was held at Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai on 21st October.
The evening demonstrated China’s brilliant history, culture and charismatic tourism resources from cultural and tourism management departments from 11 provinces to the UAE tourism industry and residents in the form of public flash publicity, industry exchange negotiations and tourism promotion meetings.
H.E. Li Xuhang, in his address said, “Tourism is very important to the bilateral relations between China and UAE. It is an important bridge for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship, as well is a catalyst for pragmatic cooperation in other fields. It is also an important part of the Belt and Road initiative. In recent years, under the background of the continuous development of comprehensive strategic partnership between China and UAE, the culture and tourism fields between both countries have become increasingly frequent. With the implementation of the visa-free policy of China and UAE, Dubai has become one of the most popular overseas tourism destinations for Chinese citizens.”
He also noted that in 2018, the number of Chinese tourists entering and transiting at Dubai Airport reached 3.77 million, while the number of inbound tourists reached 875,000. China become the fourth largest tourist source market for Dubai. The Beautiful China tourism promotion activities in Dubai, have promoted the pragmatic cooperation between China and UAE and deepened the friendship between the two countries. It is hoped that the tourism industry of both countries can benefit from the golden period of the relations between China and UAE, and push the two countries to achieve more new results under the Belt and Road initiative.
Xiao Jianhua, said, “On May 15th, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Asian civilizations dialogue conference that China is willing to implement the Asian tourism promotion plan with all Asian countries to contribute more to the economic development in Asia and to enhance friendship among Asian peoples. In 2019, the only tourism promotion activities in Asia are being held in Singapore, Bangkok and Dubai. All these efforts reflect our emphasis on promoting the development of tourism relations with Arab countries. With continuous and rapid development of tourism, China is now not only the world’s largest outbound tourist market and the largest domestic tourist market, but also the fourth largest inbound tourist receiving country in the world.”
During her speech Hoor Al Khaja said, “China is a leading source market for Dubai. Through a series of strategic cooperation and marketing plans to China, Dubai, the very attractive tourism destination become particularly popular among Chinese tourists. Since the implementation of the visa-free policy of China and UAE and also the capacity increase in air transportation between the two countries, the number of Chinese tourists to Dubai continues to grow. The first eight months of this year, Dubai welcomed a stellar 650,000 visitors, representing a 12% year-on- year growth.
Through the China-Readiness Strategy, Dubai aims to enhance the holistic experiences of Chinese visitors across the emirate – particularly those who are increasingly seeking personalized itineraries and independent travel solutions. Among other elements, the strategy includes, encouraging the industry to employ more Chinese-speaking staff, providing authentic Chinese cuisine at hotels and mobile payments favored by Chinese tourists. Dubai instant tax refunds via WeChat at the airport and expanding the Chinese New Year celebrations city-wide.”
It is believed that through these promotion events, UAE residents will learn more about the rich and colorful Chinese culture and tourism resources and there will be more UAE travelers visiting China.