The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
An initiative of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, Charming Beijing: A Beijing Tourism Fair was recently held at SM by the Bay.
The fair seeks to promote strong tourism for the Chinese capital. Over the last months, the event had visited cities of Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and Philippines.
The free admission event was aimed to bring the whole Beijing experience to the Filipino people through music, dance, martial arts, calligraphy and exhibits, among others.
The event featured several interactive booths and activities that visitors participated in. Charming Beijing were attended by members of local media as well as travel agency operators in the country.
“I am honored to be here to share the Chinese culture depicted through Beijing’s tourism,” Yu Debin, Vice Chairman of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development.
The city is touted as a blend of ancient imperial heritage with modern sensibilities—mirroring its advocacy of “Culture-enriched Beijing, Technology-empowered Beijing, and Environment-friendly Beijing.”
Charming Beijing – Manila kicked off with a traditional, festive lion dance and Wushu demonstration. Participants also had the unique opportunity to “visit” the breathtaking sights of the city’s most popular sites via the Experience Beijing VR booth.
Also showcased was a collection of beautiful photographs taken of Beijing, its people, and its environs exhibited throughout the event.
As well as a 3D photo wall that offered people a unique photo opportunity in Emperor and Empress costumes.
Lastly, visitors were able to take home a unique, customized calligraphy fan and painted Chinese opera masks which they personally made in the art booth to commemorate their visit.
Visiting city after city, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development has been active in promoting Beijing’s tourism through the fair tour.
Tourism is a pillar of Beijing’s economy with tourism-related shopping accounting for over 24.2 percent of the city’s retail sales.
That, among many other economic motivations drove the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development to undertake initiatives to enhance the promotion of Beijing tourism.
Home to many historically and culturally astonishing sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, among others.
It is also the city that hosted the 2008 Olympic Games which made its Beijing National Stadium, colloquially known as the “bird’s nest”, an architectural and tourism icon.
“No matter where you come from, no matter what age, you can relate and feel at home in Beijing,” Yu said.
Beijing hopes that the initiative will allow and strengthen international relations through tourism.
Among the attractions in the exhibit were a 3D photo booth of the Great Wall – that allowed visitors to take sharable shots and selfies in Emperor and Empress costumes; a Chinese Art Booth – where guests created their own “I Heart Beijing” freebie fans in calligraphy and painted their own Chinese Opera Masks; a Charming Beijing Photo Exhibit – which highlighted many of Beijing’s hidden gems and momentous events; and the Experience Beijing VR – that virtually gave Filipinos the chance to experience the charms of Beijing.
With the increase of Filipino tourists during the last few years, local travel agencies are indeed looking to develop tours most fitted to their market. And through the Charming Beijing initiative, it is expected to benefit not only Beijing tourism but also the local tourism industry.
For more information about Beijing, visit www.visitbeijing.com.cn or follow and like “Visit Beijing” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube with the hashtags #CharmingBeijingPH and #WeHeartBeijing.