STORY: China's comeback meets high expectations at World Travel Market
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 6, 2023
DATELINE: Nov. 8, 2023
LENGTH: 00:08:11
LOCATION: London
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023
2. STANDUP (English): ZHANG BONING, Xinhua Correspondent
3. various of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023
4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ALASTAIR BLACKBURN, Executive Chairman, The Silk Road Foundation
5. various of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023
6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): STEPHAN ROEMER, CEO, Diethelm Travel Group
7. various of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023
8. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): BOON SIAN CHAI, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets, Trip.com Group
9. various of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023
10. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): BOON SIAN CHAI, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets, Trip.com Group

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): ZHANG BONING, Xinhua Correspondent
"Despite falling temperatures in Britain, enthusiasm for tourism remains high as thousands of people gather here in London to exchange ideas at one of the world's most influential travel and tourism events."

From Europe to Middle East, from Asia to Africa... Tourism destinations and travel companies from around the world are striving to capture attention with their distinctive services and unique cultures at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023. The three-day event is currently in full swing and will continue until Wednesday. It was expected to welcome approximately 4,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries and regions.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ALASTAIR BLACKBURN, Executive Chairman, The Silk Road Foundation
"I'd say that actually travel and educational exchanges are the road to peace, and that if we don't do it, that our world, which is already unstable, let's be honest, will become more unstable."

During the event, China made its comeback with a rich variety of tourism resources and services, drawing worldwide travel service providers and avid travelers. The China pavilion showcases cultural heritage, unique tourist destinations, flight routes connecting Europe and China, and travel-related information including duty drawback policies.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): STEPHAN ROEMER, CEO, Diethelm Travel Group
"We have very clear plans (to do business with China). We have our franchise office in China, in Xi'an with our partners. And of course we hope and we expect the market in China comes back."

Roemer's company specializes in Asian tourism and has decades of experience in the industry. Roemer expressed his desire to connect with new clients and re-establish relationship. And, the China pavilion was his first stop during this year's WTM.

For international tourism companies like his, China is a "very attractive destination" for international customers thanks to its diverse tourism resources in terms of culture, history, landscapes, cityscapes and cuisine. In the meantime, Chinese tourists are also very important to the global tourism market.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): BOON SIAN CHAI, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets, Trip.com Group
"Every hotel partner that we speak to, you know, whether it's in this exhibition or on a one to one, they have been asking for when the Chinese are going to come back. So I think every hotel partner, every one of our travel partners, is looking forward to Chinese outbound travelers."

After travel restrictions were lifted in China earlier this year, the outlook for not only the Chinese tourism market but also the global travel industry became more promising.

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): BOON SIAN CHAI, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets, Trip.com Group
"We are very optimistic about the future of travel because like I say travel is unique. Travel is really something that can bring everybody together and to experience the world."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from London.
(XHTV)