Shanghai Spring Festival Tourism Spending Jumps 20.9 Pct, Visitor Arrivals Rise 8.36 Pct

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Shanghai has rolled out more than 2,570 cultural and tourism activities during the Spring Festival period to boost travel demand, driving strong growth in visitor arrivals and tourism spending.

According to data from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the city recorded more than 21.67 million visitor arrivals, up 8.36 per cent year on year, while total tourism consumption rose 20.9 per cent to 25.61 billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM56.53)

The promotion campaign integrated cultural, tourism, commerce, sports and exhibition resources across the city, supported by product innovation and transformation to stimulate Spring Festival tourism consumption.

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According to a statement, more than 130 themed Spring Festival tour routes were introduced this year, whereby inbound tourist arrivals from niche markets such as Greece and Slovenia doubled, reflecting rising interest in Jiangnan and Shanghai culture.

A total of 353 themed activities were also launched on the "Hu Xiaoyou" smart travel service platform through joint efforts by multiple departments, with science popularisation and industrial tourism gaining traction.

Furthermore, key cultural and commercial landmarks staged Spring Festival fairs and garden parties, creating new urban Chinese New Year experiences. The city also hosted its first large-scale concerts during the holiday period, featuring Richie Jen and Capper, which attracted fans from across the country.

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The blend of traditional Shanghai-style Chinese New Year elements and contemporary cultural trends also enhanced the festive atmosphere, supported by a city-wide lantern show campaign that illuminated major public spaces.

Intangible cultural heritage fairs and master chefs' kitchens were also set up in urban cultural and tourism complexes and suburban ancient towns, while some high-end hotels introduced one-stop stay packages combining accommodation, dining and cultural experiences.

Looking forward, Shanghai will continue to integrate cultural and tourism resources, accelerate product innovation and further upgrade tourism consumption to strengthen the city’s position as a leading cultural and tourism destination.

-- BERNAMA