As the Canton Fair celebrates its 70th anniversary, Guangzhou is looking to turn business trips into opportunities to explore China.
Organized by Guangzhou-based GZL International Travel Service, a group of 12 Chilean entrepreneurs visited Guangzhou on October 14 to explore Guangdong's tourism offerings ahead of the 140th Canton Fair. For all 12 visitors, it was their first trip to China and their first time attending the trade fair. During the visit, they learned about travel packages that allow international business visitors to combine trade negotiations with sightseeing during breaks between exhibition phases or after the fair.
Turning business visits into travel opportunities
For Enzo Avello, general manager of Chilean travel agency GO TO FLY, participation in the Canton Fair opens up an opportunity to introduce more Latin American travelers to China.
He said many business people traveling to China for the fair were also interested in visiting the country's cultural and tourist attractions. His agency has therefore been seeking local partners to develop packages combining trade fair participation with leisure travel. Following the Guangzhou visit, GO TO FLY plans to work more closely with GZL and promote selected itineraries in Chile, including tours of Beijing, eastern China and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
One of the entrepreneurs said the experience offered a glimpse of China's historical heritage, diverse landscapes and tourism services. The entrepreneur said he hoped to share these impressions with business contacts and the wider public in Chile, encouraging more people to visit China.
Beyond the exhibition halls
Held twice a year in Guangzhou, the Canton Fair is one of China's major platforms for international trade. Its 140th edition also marks 70 years since the fair was first held in 1957. For Guangzhou's tourism industry, the event presents an opportunity to attract visitors who might otherwise leave after completing their business.
According to Wu Jianfa, president of GZL, the company plans to use the fair's spring and autumn editions to strengthen partnerships with overseas travel agencies and develop more services for international visitors.
By combining business with tourism, Guangzhou hopes to encourage more overseas buyers to extend their stays and use the city as a starting point for exploring China.
Reporter | Li Fangwang
Photos | Li Fangwang
