Chinese travelers are going back to Italy this summer.
The Italian National Tourism Board says visitor numbers have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, and the average Chinese tourist is now spending more during their stay.
CGTN’s Hermione Kitson has more.
#China #Rome #Summer #Italy
The Italian National Tourism Board says visitor numbers have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, and the average Chinese tourist is now spending more during their stay.
CGTN’s Hermione Kitson has more.
#China #Rome #Summer #Italy
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NewsTranscript
00:00Luca Rocconi has been a tour guide in the Eternal City for 12 years, and in that time
00:06he's worked with travelers from around the world. But he says Chinese tourists have a
00:10particular appreciation for Rome's history and culture.
00:14We have also some similarity. We have the Roman Empire and they have the Chinese Empire
00:21and this is quite interesting for them.
00:24These Chinese students are on their first stop of a two-week trip around Italy. Their
00:29teacher says it's an enriching experience on many levels.
00:33I can experience Italy with the students and we also discuss a lot of the history and the
00:40technology and what's the point of visiting these ancient ruins in current times.
00:46The ice cream is very delicious. It was much better than what I eat in Hong Kong.
00:52They're among an increasing number of Chinese visitors who've traveled to Italy this summer.
00:57Italian and Chinese are friendly and warm.
01:01According to China's travel site, Sea Trip, there's been a 150% rise in bookings. The
01:07Italian National Tourism Board says it signals the return to pre-pandemic numbers.
01:12But we are confirming that the data of Sea Trip are absolutely correct. Our estimate
01:17is 111% higher than it was in previous times, so we are very happy.
01:25All five airlines that operated flights between the two countries before COVID have re-established
01:31those routes. The most popular destinations are Rome, Venice and Florence.
01:37Chinese tourists are also playing an increasingly important role in Italy's luxury retail sector
01:42and the big spenders are the younger generations.
01:46The Chinese traveler now spends an average of 2,600 euros per person, with more than
01:51half spent on fashion.
01:53The millennials are increasing their capacity to buy and 68% of this amount is actually
02:01younger than it used to be, so we are thrilled.
02:04With preparations in full swing for the Catholic Church's Jubilee year in 2025, Italy hopes
02:10to attract Chinese visitors of all ages.
02:14So my encouragement is that we really start catering for the Chinese tourists in a way
02:19that they feel completely immersed in our beautiful history and our beautiful culture.
02:26Millie for one will be back.
02:28I will definitely.
02:29Hermione Kitson, CGTN, Rome.