Chinese tourists make impressive return to Italy

CGTN Europe

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

Transcript

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.

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