Beautiful SHANDONG

Zhang Mingchi, Deputy Director General, Shandong Tourism Development Commission, shares more reasons why Indians should go and visit this destination.

HOW MANY INDIAN ARRIVALS DOES SHANDONG GET?

We received around 36,000 Indian arrivals to Shandong in 2016. While 50 per cent of this were business tourists, the remaining 50 per cent were tourists, with only a few VFR travellers.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES THAT WOULD ATTRACT INDIANS TO SHANDONG?

There are many other places in Shandong besides Qingdao, Qufu, Mount Tai and Jinan. The element which is very important is the difference of climates between India and Shandong. We have four demarcated seasons and visitors can have different views in different seasons. Winters are snowy, which is not as cold as China’s north tip. However, tourists can enjoy skiing and other activities. In Spring, we have a variety of blooms as well as flowers. We welcome friends from India to watch the blossoms. A trip to Shandong is never an empty one.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM INDIA IN 2017?

We are expecting double the numbers from India this year, i.e. 70,000 Indian arrivals. I am sure with agent familiarisation trips and right promotions, we will be able to reach this number very soon.