One of the world's biggest gatherings for the tourism industry has begun in China's Kunming, Yunnan Province. The 2023 China International Travel Mart opened its doors on Friday, and runs over the weekend. It marks the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, and guests have arrived from across the globe. Wang Siwen was there for the launch.

The theme "Nihao China" sets the stage for the 2023 China International Travel Mart, featuring nine exhibitions spanning over 90-thousand square meters. Activities include the Global Travel Trader Conference, Dianchi Dialogue, and a focus on interpreting inbound tourism policies.

MAO XU, Director, Department of Foreigners Management, National Immigration Administration "Adding the country of Norway, China's 72 or 144-hour transit visa-free policy has been extended to 54 countries."

The visa application process for foreigners wanting to come to China will also be simplified. Embassy and consulate visa application appointments will be canceled by year-end.

Port visa services will open in more than 70 Chinese cities, and China will offer visa-free entry policies for select countries and regions, to promote culture and tourism exchanges with other countries, which also look forward to attracting more Chinese visitors.

ANURA FERNANDO, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai "China market is very important now. Right now China is the third largest tourist arrival in Sri Lanka. We are also working on inviting a Chinese tourist free of visa charges in the next week or two. So we are part of the belt and road. So we are very close friends."

Over 800 travel agents are also taking part in the exhibition.

YANG HAIJUAN, Head of Operation Center, CTG International "There are new trends in tourism. Firstly, people prefer to be close to nature and relax. Second, they love to travel nearby. Third, there's a parent-child consumption group."

Since it was established in 1998, the China International Travel Mart has held 23 sessions in Shanghai and Yunnan, earning its status as one of the world's three major tourism marts alongside Berlin and London. It plays a key role in promoting Chinese culture and tourism resources.

WANG SIWEN, Kunming, Yunnan Province "This is the first time since the pandemic that guests from over 70 countries are participating in the China Intl Travel Mart. The travel exhibition focuses on changes in the international tourism market and new trends in tourism spending, with the aim of promoting the global tourism industry, WSW, CGTN, KUNMING, YUNNAN PROVINCE."