Tourism powered by digital technology in focus at CIFTIS

Many people have downloaded an app at the Overseas Chinese Town Group's booth at this year's China International Fair for Trade in Services, which opened on Sept 2 and will end on Sept 7 in Beijing.

The app, Huaxiaocheng, offers online ticket booking and travel tips for all of the group's culture and tourism facilities, including its Happy Valley theme parks, across the country.

It's one of the results of OCT's efforts in pushing for digital transformation since 2012.

The State-owned company has now developed a dozen business models nationwide, including rural resorts, art zones, festive celebrations, natural attractions, performances, themed hotels and parks.

OCT has developed a facial recognition system to improve travel experiences for waiting in line and storing personal items. It has also contributed to the development of a platform for monitoring running and service quality of tourist attractions nationwide.

"OCT will actively explore the deep integration of digital technology and culture and tourism, to make cultural tourism an important force in the development of service trade prosperity and a new pattern," said Liu Fengxi, general manager of OCT.

At the cultural and tourism exhibition section, digital and intelligent projects applying 5G, big data, augmented reality and virtual reality were in place for visitor interactions.