The China (Guangdong) International Tourism Industry Expo (CITIE) is set to make a grand return from September 13 to 15, 2024, in Guangzhou. Celebrating its 16th edition, the expo will be held at the China Import and Export Fair complex and is poised to be a landmark event in the global tourism calendar.
This year’s CITIE will feature an impressive array of exhibitors from nearly 50 countries and 30 Chinese provinces. The expo will introduce several new highlights, including a “Light Luxury Adventure Exhibition Area” that focuses on emerging tourism trends like African safaris.
Additionally, the return of the Quality Europe Pavilion will showcase cultural and tourism attractions from major European destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain. A special exhibition area will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations, featuring cultural insights from Russian cities.
International airlines are ramping up their participation, with leading carriers like Turkish Airlines and Vietnam Airlines set to attend. This reflects a strong recovery in global tourism, with international travel agencies participating in numbers close to pre-pandemic levels.
CITIE 2024 will emphasize China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, designed to boost inbound tourism by allowing visitors to explore select regions without a visa for up to six days. The event will be a crucial platform for promoting this policy and showcasing Guangdong’s role as a key gateway for international travellers.
Innovative networking opportunities will be a key feature of the expo, with a blend of online and offline business meetings designed to facilitate effective connections between global and Chinese tourism professionals.
With its diverse offerings and new features, CITIE 2024 is set to be a comprehensive showcase of global tourism and cultural exchange, highlighting the industry’s resilience and growth.