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E-mail China.org.cn, December 26, 2024
Shou Xiaoli:
One last question, please.
Phoenix Satellite Television:
In recent years, the Chinese Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival have gained popularity in more countries. Recently, a series of policies have been introduced to facilitate exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals, and the inbound tourism market in the Chinese mainland continues to thrive. What work has the MCT made to promote international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation? Thank you.
Zhang Zheng:
Thank you for your question. I will address it. International exchanges and cooperation in culture and tourism are important avenues for promoting international people-to-people connections. We have earnestly implemented the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and made significant efforts to advance the integration and mutual promotion of inbound and outbound visits.
For example, we have showcased the unique charms of Chinese culture and deepened cultural exchanges with other countries. We will continue to explore the value and significance of typical symbols of Chinese culture, promoting deeper and more substantive progress in exchanges and cooperation. In 2024, we organized "Happy Spring Festival" celebrations with nearly 500 online and offline activities in various forms across more than 110 countries and regions, with the symbolic red of China illuminating landmarks worldwide and reaching nearly 40 million people. We also launched the "Lucky Rabbit" and "Lucky Dragon" mascots for the Happy Spring Festival, which have been well received by people around the globe. By focusing on Chinese cultural symbols such as opera, tea art, poetry, food, online literature, games, and traditional lifestyles, we have organized "Tea for Harmony" Yaji Cultural Salons in many locations worldwide, promoting the introduction of Chinese cultural products to the global market.
For example, we have made significant efforts to improve facilitation and accelerate the development of inbound tourism. This year, we have seen a rapid recovery and expansion in inbound tourism. From January to July, there were 17.254 million inbound trips made by foreigners, representing a year-on-year increase of 129.9%. The MCT has conducted a comprehensive study of the challenges faced by 31 provinces and equivalent administrative units, particularly in 76 key tourism cities, in developing inbound tourism. We have developed boutique inbound tourist routes, using major port cities as hubs and connecting them to node cities, fostering regional coordination among provinces and administrative units. By combining cities, tourist routes, and regions, we have gradually addressed obstacles and bottlenecks in the development of inbound tourism. In collaboration with relevant ministries and commissions, we have continued to optimize visa and customs clearance policies, accelerated the recovery of international flights, improved payment facilitation, and enhanced the quality of comprehensive services for inbound tourism. As a result, traveling to China is becoming increasingly popular around the world.
In the next step, led by the GCI, we will continue to strengthen the construction of intergovernmental cultural and tourism cooperation mechanisms, create high-quality signature events, enhance international industrial cooperation, accelerate the development of inbound tourism, and expand international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thanks to Mr. Zhang and all the speakers. I also appreciate the participation of our friends from the media. Today's briefing is hereby concluded. See you next time, and I wish you a happy National Day holiday.
Zhang Zheng:
Happy National Day holiday. Thank you.
Translated and edited by Xu Kailin, Huang Shan, Fan Junmei, Zhang Junmian, Ma Yujia, Wang Yanfang, Li Huiru, Jay Birbeck, David Ball and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
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