Qingdao Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2018 Exclusive Interview: The Uniqueness of a City Is the Carrier of Good Products

WTCF has become increasingly influential. As a link, it has played a role in connecting and energizing members through information and resource sharing. We expect to work with WTCF more extensively to jointly promote the development of world tourism and relevant industries!

Blending Travel

Firstly, tourism has a positive effect on the economy of a destination, and there is no doubt about that. In fact, the effects are not only felt in the tourism industry itself, but it also serves as a drive to develop other relevant industries, such as aviation, water and land transport, hotel, catering, entertainment, etc.

In addition, with the development and upgrade of the tourism industry, tourists’ demands for the service standards and their experience on their trips are higher than in the past. This effect will encourage destinations to improve their environment and tourism facilities. The upgrading reconstruction and innovation of the mentioned above can efficiently promote road construction and real estate development, and develop culture, sports and other industries in destinations as well.

Therefore, we need to uphold the concept of “big travel” (I personally name it “blending travel”), namely travel+. Then, you will realize that travel is a platform, and its function is far more than travel itself.

Travel around and see the world

The Internet enables us to learn about the world faster through more channels. However, this kind of knowing is superficial; it cannot replace experience by actual travel. So, tourism plays an irreplaceable role in facilitating communication between people in different areas.

Therefore, if one wants to truly understand the customs, nature, and culture of an area, the best way is to visit the locals and then get their personal experiences. Meanwhile, we can also pass our cultures to them, and invite them to visit us to experience a different culture. "Travel around and see the world". People always have an idea during their travel: what will I give, and what will I bring back... this is the meaning of travel!

Specialty is the foundation of a tourist city

Firstly, city tourism highlights cities. Cities with scenic attractions are good, but they are absolutely not only scenic areas; so a city must have its features or symbols; I think a city which is renowned or unique in any of six tourism elements: food, lodging, transport, travel, shopping and entertainment can offer tourists a good experience! Or perhaps, someday a city will become the paradise for video game players...

Nowadays, many cities regards themselves as a city for conferences and exhibitions. In my opinion, this is an improvement, and is one of the good directions. But how can we make it come true? This is a big question, and also a great project. We can discuss it as an important topic.

As a tourism institution, we are supposed to tap, extract and promote such unique selling points, and we can even integrate and create such points.

I have participated in several of WTCF’s activities, and I feel that the influence of the organization has been growing! It is a great resource-rich communication platform. In my opinion, the influence of WTCF will not be confined to the tourism industry, and its influence will increasingly expand to other tourism-related fields, too.