Feb 18 • 13:00 UTC 🇨🇳 China South China Morning Post

China targets foreign tourists for Lunar New Year ‘consumption feast’

China aims to attract foreign tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday to boost spending and drive economic growth after a slowdown.

In a strategic move to enhance tourism while countering economic sluggishness, China has set its sights on attracting foreign visitors during the forthcoming Lunar New Year holiday. This initiative, driven by a collaboration among nine key government departments, seeks to transform the holiday into a significant 'consumption feast.' The extended celebration, running from February 19 to February 23, aims to stimulate demand not just within local segments but across international tourist demographics. By refocusing on foreign tourists, the government hopes to leverage their spending potential to boost overall economic activity.

Moreover, local governments have been encouraged to produce multilingual resources that would help foreign tourists understand and appreciate the cultural heritage associated with the Lunar New Year. This includes folk customs and traditions that define the holiday, aimed at creating an engaging and immersive experience for visitors. The initiative is not just about attracting footfalls but also about weaving international visitors into the fabric of local celebrations, enriching both the tourists’ experience and the local economies.

China's approach reflects a broader strategy aimed at transitioning from a reliance on exports and manufacturing to a more sustainable model driven by domestic consumption and tourism. With global travel recovering, targeting foreign tourists during a culturally significant time could position China to rebound stronger economically and promote shared cultural narratives, enhancing both inbound tourism and economic interactions on the global stage.

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