| Snowstorms Drove Away Tourists from China |
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| Tuesday, 08 April 2008 | |
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Chinese tourism industry lost 6.97 Billion Yuan in February 2008 following cancellation of trips by foreign and domestic tourists due to bad weather conditions. According to Shao Qiwei, Head, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), around 300,000 tourists, which included 60,000 foreigners, canceled their tours to China following bad weather that crippled transportation network and snapped power system in the southern region of China, as reported by Chinadaily.As per the coordination office for nation holiday tourism, National Tourism Administration, snowstorms severely hampered the tourism industry’s revenue that closed at just 39.3 Billion Yuan ($5.46 Billion) the Golden week. It was 6.2% less as compared to last year’s revenue. In totality, the tourism industry lost 6.97 Billion Yuan by February 9, 2008. According to the CNTA, the recovery speed of the industry depends upon multiple factors. Moreover, it will also take time to rebuild damaged infrastructure and more importantly restoring confidence among tourists to visit China again as the drastic fall in temperature not just caused heavy losses to transport operators but also hampered enthusiasm among travelers. Previously, China hoped for high growth in the tourism industry of the country as the country’s infrastructure is constantly improving and tourism industry has competition also. But China didn’t meet its target due to extreme weather conditions in 2008, the tourism industry lost confidence. Hence, CNTA decided to take every necessary step that will stimulate growth in the tourism industry of the country. The organization will intensify promotional and advertising activities both within and outside the country (in neighboring countries including South Korea and Japan). Chinese tourism administration views Beijing Olympic Games commencing from August 8, 2008 as a catalyst to boost confidence among the tourists. China is fully prepared to host the games and has set its infrastructure right for the mega event, like building of new airport terminals and stadia. The work on the iconic birds nest stadium is going on as part of improving tourism infrastructure. It will help in offsetting for January and February 2008 losses. According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “The Chinese tourism industry was optimistic about the industry’s growth in the spring festival in 2008 but snowstorms and adverse conditions took the toll on the industry as thousands of tourists canceled their trips. However, the industry is expecting that promotions, advertisements and Beijing Olympics will help in recovering the losses borne this year.”
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