China’s tourists are trickling back after two years of coronavirus disruptions. But will it last?
- As coronavirus cases fall and travel restrictions are gradually lifted, China’s tourism sector is rejoicing at what seems like a favourable turn
- Online travel agency Qunar.com reported a 60 per cent surge in flight ticket enquiries after digital travel passes dropped the Covid-19 risk asterisk
Streets and shops are once again bustling with visitors in the old town of Dali in Yunnan province, a scene locals have not experienced since last year, after sporadic coronavirus outbreaks and subsequent snap lockdowns in some of China’s largest cities debilitated domestic tourism.
It is finally starting to feel like the busy season again
People with an asterisk on their travel history record were often subject to confusing and inconsistent rules that could include denial of entry, quarantine and multiple Covid-19 tests. It was a major hindrance to travel.
“It is finally starting to feel like the busy season again,” said Cun Xiaoqin, who runs a travel agency and small hotel in Yunnan and has business in Dali.
Cun’s business operated for fewer than three months combined last year. Until early May, she was struggling to survive and considering a career change if things did not improve in July and August, which is typically the busiest season of the year.
Now, she is working overtime and said she “hopes this feeling could last just a bit longer”.
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Chinese artist aims to draw tourist in his hometown in Yunnan by creating huge murals