Fan Deyu, Project Manager of Hamburg Liaison Office China：Promotion of Local Tourism Market Key to Address Outbreak Challenges

Influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the International tourism market faces great challenge. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, WTCF's member city Hamburg has been closely watching the global situation and carrying out a series of promotions targeting local tourism market in Germany. It has significantly boosted the recovery of local tourism industry by calling for local visitors to rediscover the charm of the city.

As the world's first international tourism organization focusing on cities, World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) focuses on the latest development and actions of tourism cities, so as to inspire visitors to pay more attention to local sceneries and promote the development of regional tourism.

Recently, Fan Deyu, Project Manager of Hamburg Liaison Office China received an interview from WTCF. She shared her thoughts on the epidemic prevention and control, and experience of Hamburg in promoting local tourist destinations, etc.

Fan Deyu, Project Manager of Hamburg Liaison Office China

WTCF: We all know that this year is quite special and many countries are hit by the pandemic. Could you please tell us what Hamburg or Germany has done to curb the spread of pandemic?

Fan Deyu: Hamburg has employed plenty of measures including the sloganAHA, literally, keeping social distance, wearing masks and taking certain hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands.

Like other areas of Germany, Hamburg is undergoing a lockdown for the second time. At present, all hotels are shut down while all museums, theaters and restaurants are closed until December 1, 2020.

At the same time, people are encouraged to work from home. Companies temporality shut down during the November lockdown will receive a government subsidy based on 75% of the income in November of 2019. In addition, the country announces to grant short-time allowance to employees in the service sector, such as those who work in restaurants.

To support Hamburg's tourism sector, Hamburg Tourismus GmbH (HHT) has advertised the city across Germany in summer and autumn. The pandemic prevents people from travelling abroad, so HHT encourages Germans to take Hamburg as a popular destination for domestic trips. So far, the city has received most bookings from travel agencies in Germany.

We hope to encourage residents living in Hamburg and Hamburg Metropolitan Region to take a look at tourism products in Hamburg. HHT also makes an information calendar for tourists who can easily check events to be held in December and some tips on taking tours.

WTCF: In the context of the pandemic, a lot of tourism lovers have to stay at home. But they are eager to travel abroad once the pandemic is perfectly controlled. Could you please tell us about Hamburg's places of interest or unique culture and traditions?

Fan Deyu: Hamburg is a modern metropolis and a harbor with a long history. Different cultures intertwine here and the city has become a grand stage. Tourists shouldn't miss the local water-loving culture. Hamburg, known as a "City of Bridges", has more bridges than the sum of bridges in London, Amsterdam and Venice.

Bridges mean connection. It's most impressive to feel the intergration of various cultures and traditions in Hamburg. Tourists can feel those from numerous events, such as Hamburg Port Anniversary every May (the 832th anniversary is cancelled), fish markets near wharfs every Sunday, Hamburg Cruise Days in every two years, music and cultural events like ElbJazz in June and Reeperbahn Festival in September. I hope the Chinese tourists can come to Hamburg, the largest harbor in Germany, soon after the pandemic ends and feel its unique charm.

WTCF: You have just mentioned what Hamburg has done to help. Then could you give some suggestions on international cooperation? What do you expect global organizations like World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) to do in the future?

Fan Deyu: I hope the network of communication will be expanded for more industry stakeholders to know each other better, introduce partners through various channels, and share new trends and developments for us to learn more.