Xi’an, home to the Terracotta warriors, is experiencing a sharp drop of foreign tourists this year, local tourism operators said yesterday. In their opinion, if tourism continues to dip in the Northwest city, there is enough reason for the warriors to turn into Terracotta “worriers”.

With a history of more than 3,100 years, Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, received only 551,000 international tourists (including arrivals from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) in this year’s first 10 months, according to statistics on Read more…

Popularity: 3% [?]

China, crisis, economy, tourism, Xi'an

American Express, the world leader in traveler’s checks, is working with Chinese travel agencies to promote the use of travel’s checks in China.

“Traveler’s checks have gained some popularity in China. However, they are not as popular as they should be simply because not many Chinese are familiar with them,” said Diannie Tsai, vice-president and general manager of American Express’s global traveler’s checks and prepaid services division, Greater China. “American Express has partnered with China International Travel Service for promotional purposes and is seeking opportunities to forge cooperation with other travel or overseas educational agencies.”

Altogether 40.95 million Chinese went overseas in 2007, with an average expenditure of $928. And the number is expected to reach 44.8 million this year. China has already overtaken Japan to become the top country in Asia regarding outbound tourists, the number of which is anticipated to be the largest in the world by the year 2020.

Traveler’s checks are available in 7 currencies and 28 denominations and can be cashed through more than 120,000 service outlets around the globe. They do not expire and are refundable when lost or stolen. The convenience and safety they provide will ensure them a promising market among Chinese tourists, students and businessmen.

Popularity: 3% [?]

American Express, China Business, tourism, traveler's checks