VOINews, Shanghai: The China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2024, one of the most prominent tourism fairs in Asia, officially opened on Friday (November 22) in Shanghai. Hosted by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the event has gathered exhibitors from over 80 countries and regions, reflecting the growing importance of cultural exchange and international tourism.
This three-day exhibition has attracted more than 1,000 international exhibitors, alongside nearly 600 travel agencies, according to the event organizers. Additionally, the program features over 600 in-person buyer-seller meetings, emphasizing the global drive to reignite tourism partnerships after recent challenges faced by the industry.
Spanning a vast 53,000 square meters, the event showcases diverse sectors such as Chinese and international culture and tourism, tourism technology, creative cultural products, and innovative travel services. The expansive setup underscores the mart’s ambition to position itself as a central hub for global travel innovations and partnerships.
The organizers noted that several international travel agencies are expected to leverage the exhibition to conduct market research and explore tourism routes across various provinces and cities in China. This aligns with the country’s strategy to boost tourism revenues by promoting its rich heritage and modern travel infrastructure.
A key highlight of this year’s mart is China’s recent policy shift toward facilitating international travel. The country has introduced unilateral visa-free entry for 29 nations, including France and Germany, in an effort to stimulate inbound travel. This initiative has already garnered significant interest from global travel stakeholders.
Beyond the exhibition floor, CITM 2024 emphasizes the integration of technology and tourism. Interactive showcases of smart tourism solutions and sustainable travel initiatives are among the major draws for attendees, reflecting global trends in creating immersive and eco-conscious travel experiences.
The event also includes cultural performances, panel discussions, and workshops led by tourism experts, providing a holistic platform for attendees to exchange ideas, discover new destinations, and strengthen international cooperation.
CITM 2024 not only highlights China’s commitment to reviving its tourism sector but also reinforces its position as a key player in fostering global tourism collaboration. As the event unfolds, participants are optimistic about forging new partnerships and inspiring a renewed era of travel./ANTARA/VOI
