PERU MACHU PICCHU OPENED FOR SINGLE TOURIST Peru’s top tourist attraction, Machu Picchu opened for a single Japanese tourist recently, prior to a full opening. The tourist had become stranded in Peru due to Covid-19 and had waited almost 7 months to visit the world heritage site. The tourist was due to visit Machu Picchu in March while on a short trip to the country, but it closed suddenly due to the pandemic. The tourist submitted a special request to gain access which was granted. His trip was designed to include a long held dream of visiting the ancient Inca site.
CHINA'S TOURISM RECOVERY A LESSON WE NEED TO LEARN
The Chinese have got COVID-19 well under control and with it comes the positive and quick recovery of its domestic tourism industry. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, said on the 1st day of the National Day, which is the same day this year's Mid Autumn Day falls on, the domestic tourism market of China has seen 97 million tourists, 73.8% of the number last year. The to tal income generated by tourism activities reached ¥77 billion, that’s 68.9% of what it was in 2019. These are figures that most countries are only dreaming of achieveing in the next few years, not just 9 months out of a health pandemic. Controlling the pandemic is key to China’s recovery in all sectors. Strict measures are in place in different parts of the country, but they allow for a strong form of normality. Although the tourism industry has not yet reached a full recovery compared with 2019, the recovery to date is strong. In Beijing the 223 major tourism spots welcomed 1.1 million tourists on 1st October, 143% more than the number on 1st May; another big holiday in China; the income generated increased by 169%. China's aviation industry has also seen a rapid recovery. More than 164,700 domestic flights were scheduled during the holiday, an increase of more than 11%, compared with the same time in 2019. Many local governments across the country are also acting to boost their tourism industry. Like reduced entrance fees, and transport fares. Overall China's domestic tourism industry is recovering promptly. With COVID-19 gradually being contained across the globe, we will see a positive trend in China's cross-border tourism in the coming months?
