On September 13, the China (Guangdong) International Tourism Industry Expo (CITIE 2024) kicked off at Area A in the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, running until September 15.
As one of China's largest tourism fairs, the CITIE attracts tourism organizations and companies from nearly 50 countries and regions this year, alongside more than 30 provinces and cities in China.
Visitors can explore a variety of themed zones, including a special China-Russia Cultural Year exhibition, a Pacific Islands Pavilion, and a Premium Europe Pavilion. Countries like Thailand, Singapore and Georgia, which have newly introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, are offering an array of local travel products.
Meanwhile, destinations like Cameroon, Northern Queensland of Australia, Champasak Province of Laos, Russia's Murmansk and Novosibirsk, and Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Kanagawa from Japan are making their debut at the expo. Airlines such as China Southern, Vietnam Airlines and Turkish Airlines are also showcasing their latest flight offerings.
The Expo of this year spotlights new cultural and tourism productive forces. Visitors can marvel at luxury yachts, jet skis, and water sports gear, alongside interactive VR entertainment, futuristic space pods, and modular container houses. Digital innovations such as AI, virtual humans, and the metaverse are also on display, highlighting the integration of technology and tourism. Notably, the world's first manned electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft with full flight certification is featured, drawing significant attention.
The Expo also showcases Guangdong's evolving travel trends, including rural revitalization, cultural art, eco-tourism, and cutting-edge leisure activities. Visitors can enjoy immersive activities like stepping into a metaverse experience room, touring a motorhome, snapping photos with vintage cars and yachts, and discovering the allure of luxury camping.
Author: Holly
Editor: Will, James
Photo provided by CITIE 2024
