2016年CRI Latin America - a new frontier for China's tourism sector

 

This year's Rio Olympics helped focus the world's attention on Latin America, generating increased interest in the region among Chinese tourists.

Traditionally, Chinese visitors to Latin America have only accounted for a small portion of outbound Chinese travel.

But recent stats show this percentage is increasing rapidly.

Those working within the Chinese travel industry are suggesting that beyond major sporting events, preferential visa policies to certain Latin American countries have helped boost interest from China.

A travel agent surnamed Zhang explains the reason.

"Many of our customers have already covered Asia, North America and Europe. But South America is still new to them, with many exciting cultures to explore. Some countries have eliminated visa requirements for Chinese tourists, such as Ecuador. Countries like Argentina have also simplified the visa application process for Chinese nationals. This shows that these countries need the Chinese market to boost their tourism sectors². This is a good trend."

It's said the natural and cultural wonders of Latin America, as well as the improving ties between China and countries in the region, are also helping³ increase Chinese tourist flows.

However, a number of challenges still remain, with the sheer distance among the most significant.

Ge Lei works in the travel sector¹ in China.

"The development of tourist exchanges between the China and Latin America is still in the very early stages. Right now, the main challenge is transportation. Latin America is the furthest place from China someone can travel. Flights from China usually have to connect through the US, Dubai or Europe. A one-way trip can take up to 40 hours, which is very tiring. Flights and tour package prices have also remained relatively⁴ high."

Due to these limitations, Chinese visitors to Latin America are still mostly high-income individuals or retirees who have a lot more time on their hands.

Recognizing these challenges, many Latin American countries have decided⁵ to ramp⁶ up their promotions⁷ in China.

During the recent China International Travel Mart trade show in Shanghai, the Colombian delegation⁸ unveiled a variety of tour packages focusing on that country's natural beauty and cultural opportunities.

"We have promotional events every year. This year we have already met with travel agencies from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. We are bringing Colombian agencies to China, helping them prepare promotional materials in Chinese and work with their Chinese counterparts."

Riding on the increased interest in South America, certain travel agencies in China have also developed high-end tours to the South Pole, which can be reached by flights or cruises, usually departing from Chile's southern tip, Punta Arena⁹.

Additionally, agencies and airlines are also working on creating direct flights between China and Latin America.

1 sector   

n.部门，部分；防御地段，防区；扇形

参考例句：

• The export sector will aid the economic recovery. 出口产业将促进经济复苏。
• The enemy have attacked the British sector.敌人已进攻英国防区。

2 sectors   

n.部门( sector的名词复数 )；领域；防御地区；扇形

参考例句：

• Berlin was divided into four sectors after the war. 战后柏林分成了4 个区。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Industry and agriculture are the two important sectors of the national economy. 工业和农业是国民经济的两个重要部门。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

3 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

4 relatively   

adv.比较...地，相对地

参考例句：

• The rabbit is a relatively recent introduction in Australia.兔子是相对较新引入澳大利亚的物种。
• The operation was relatively painless.手术相对来说不痛。

5 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

6 ramp   

n.暴怒，斜坡，坡道；vi.作恐吓姿势，暴怒，加速；vt.加速

参考例句：

• That driver drove the car up the ramp.那司机将车开上了斜坡。
• The factory don't have that capacity to ramp up.这家工厂没有能力加速生产。

7 promotions   

促进( promotion的名词复数 )； 提升； 推广； 宣传

参考例句：

• All services or promotions must have an appeal and wide application. 所有服务或促销工作都必须具有吸引力和广泛的适用性。
• He promptly directed the highest promotions and decorations for General MacArthur. 他授予麦克阿瑟将军以最高的官阶和勋奖。

8 delegation   

n.代表团；派遣

参考例句：

• The statement of our delegation was singularly appropriate to the occasion.我们代表团的声明非常适合时宜。
• We shall inform you of the date of the delegation's arrival.我们将把代表团到达的日期通知你。

9 arena   

n.竞技场，运动场所；竞争场所，舞台

参考例句：

• She entered the political arena at the age of 25. 她25岁进入政界。
• He had not an adequate arena for the exercise of his talents.他没有充分发挥其才能的场所。