A Chinese Tourism Session in Auckland focuses on strengthening tourism and cultural ties between New Zealand and China, promoting mutual understanding.
The Chinese Tourism Information Session was held in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, aimed at strengthening tourism ties between New Zealand and China. The event was a collaborative effort, jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, the Chinese consulates general in Auckland and Christchurch, and the China Cultural Centers in Wellington and Auckland. The session was organized by China Travel Service New Zealand.
Enhancing Bilateral Understanding Through Tourism
Wang Xiaolong, the Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand, emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in fostering a deeper understanding between the people of New Zealand and China. “Tourism plays a unique role in improving the understanding between the people of New Zealand and China and thus bringing us closer,” said Wang.
In his remarks, Ambassador Wang highlighted the Chinese government’s recent initiatives aimed at enhancing the travel experience for international visitors. These measures include streamlined visa processes, improved payment systems, expanded flight routes, and upgraded accommodation options. As a result of these efforts, there has been a notable increase in the number of foreigners choosing to travel to China, particularly since the implementation of new unilateral visa-free policies.
A Surge in Chinese Tourism to New Zealand
Ambassador Wang also noted the growing enthusiasm among Chinese tourists for visiting New Zealand. According to data from Statistics New Zealand, as of May this year, the country welcomed 226,000 Chinese tourists, marking a staggering 336.7% increase year-on-year. This surge underscores the strong mutual desire for more people-to-people interactions and increased two-way travel between the two nations.
Personal Insights from New Zealand’s David Carter
David Carter, former Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, shared his personal experiences of traveling in China with the session’s participants. Recounting his family’s recent trip to Beijing in April, Carter highlighted how modern conveniences like shared bikes and mobile payment platforms such as Alipay made navigating the city effortless. “In just two days, we used shared bikes through Alipay and rode to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing, Beihai Park, and other attractions,” he shared, adding that transportation in China has become “very easy” thanks to these advancements.
Supporting Carter’s observations, data from Alipay revealed that spending by inbound tourists using the platform increased eightfold in the first half of this year compared to the previous year. Notably, spending by tourists from countries with visa-free or mutual visa exemption agreements with China saw a 15-fold increase.
Boosting Connectivity and Tourism
Xu Tong, Director of the China Cultural Center in Wellington, spoke about the positive impact of resumed and newly opened direct flights between China and New Zealand since the end of the pandemic. These routes have significantly facilitated exchanges between the two countries and spurred tourism growth. Currently, six cities in mainland China offer direct flights to New Zealand, with a total of 50 flights per week, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
In line with this trend, Air China’s Auckland office announced plans to increase its Auckland-Beijing direct flights from four times per week to a daily service starting this winter, reflecting the growing demand from passengers.
Cultural Exchanges and Tourism Promotions
The session also featured presentations from Chinese cultural and tourism institutions, which introduced various tourism routes, such as the Chinese Cultural Heritage Exploration Route and the Yangtze River National Tourism Route. Attendees had the opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand through demonstrations of tea art, paper cutting, and martial arts. Additionally, a range of tourism products and cultural and creative items were showcased.
Adding to the cultural ambiance, the “Glory of Millennia Silk Road Photo Exhibition” was held prior to the session, offering participants a visual journey through China’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
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