Travel expo in Chengdu praised

Air China's booth at the 2013 PATA Travel Mart on Sep 17, in Chengdu, Sichuan province. [Photo by Peng Chao/China Daily]

The 2013 PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Assorication) Travel Mart in Chengdu, Sichuan province, bringing together tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and chain hotels from around the world, concluded on Sept 17. The travel expo and the city won high praise from sellers and buyers.

"The travel mart turned out perfect," said You Yong, chief manager of Sichuan Airlines in Vietnam. "The exhibition booths are properly designed, and the service at the mart is considerate -- air services, accommodations and car rental services can be easily found here."

During the travel expo, You and other overseas colleagues came back to Chengdu to promote the airline's international flights and domestic routes.

You said he had business talks with a great many travel agencies from Europe, Asia and even South America, which not only helped promote the flights they already have, but also helped him better understand the needs of potential customers.

"Many people are interested in the 72-hour visa-free policy that took effect this month in Chengdu," said You. "They want to know which countries they can reach through direct flights from Chengdu."

Chengdu is the fourth city on the Chinese mainland to adopt the 72-hour visa-free policy, after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The policy allows transit passengers from 45 countries who have valid visas and a flight ticket to a third country to stay up to 72 hours in Chengdu.

Jose Joseph, a buyer from India who came to Chengdu for the first time, said the travel expo and the beautiful city gave him very good impression.

"Though many people don't speak English here, they are warm and hospitable, and always ready to help others," he said.

Joseph went to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding before the event started. He said the giant panda and Sichuan Opera impressed him the most. Joseph watched Sichuan Opera for the first time in Shanghai three years ago. "The face changing is so interesting," he said.

"The travel mart is full of local characteristic," said a staffer from the Hangzhou booth. "The event is well organized, and the service is thorough and satisfactory."

The staffer said tourism in Chengdu started late compared with coastal cities like Hangzhou, but is catching up very fast in recent years. The unique Shu culture is an indispensable part of Chinese culture and is a must-see for tourists.

"If I were a foreigner who had only three chances to visit China, the first time I would go to the capital Beijing, the second time the coastal cities, and the third time I am sure to go to Sichuan." the staffer said.