CCTV9英语新闻：Chinese tourists back in Seoul after MERS scare

South Korea’s tourism industry was hit hard by the MERS--Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome--outbreak in June.  But Chinese tourists have been flocking back to the country since September. The South Korean government says Beijing’s flexible response to the MERS outbreak played a big part in the steady recovery of the tourism industry.

 

The MERS outbreak in June took a toll on South Korea’s economy, especially the tourism industry, but Chinese visitors are quickly returning to the country. Zhang Yixin and Ren Peng are from Jinan City in China’s Shandong Province. They’re in Seoul to take their pre-wedding photos.

 

“I saw South Korean-style wedding photos online and liked them, that’s why I chose this place. My parents and friends all think it’s a great idea,” said Zhang Yixin, a bride-to-be.

 

Chinese and South Korean governments say the swift recovery after the MERS outbreak was a result of close cooperation between the two neighbors.

 

“Even during the MERS outbreak, China did not cancel or postpone plans for tourist exchange, and didn’t issue a travel warning for South Korea. We believed South Korea would quickly cope with the MERS situation,” said Li Yaying, China National Tourism Administration.

 

At the China-South Korea presidential summit in July last year, the two leaders declared 2015 and 2016 as years to boost tourism between the two countries.

 

Last year, about 10 million Chinese and South Koreans travelled between the two countries. And the same target is expected to be easily met this year.

 

“More than 5 million tourists have travelled between China and South Korea during the first half of this year. This is a 10% increase from the same time last year. MERS had a slight effect on tourism, but right now, tourist exchanges have recovered completely,” Li Yaying said.

 

This pace will likely continue next year, as the South Korean government plans to attract more Chinese tourists, including developing unique tour packages and simplifying immigration processes for incoming Chinese visitors.