Expo entices crowds with intriguing destinations

Chinese tourism agencies offered discounts and held draws for prizes such as televisions to attract visitors.

According to Tong Jun, who is in charge of the North China market of tourism service provider LY.com, sales of nearly 10 million yuan were made onsite during the weekend. Visitors to BITE were most interested in Europe, Japan, islands and cruises.

She says as summer vacation season is approaching, many parents brought their children to their booths, and their priorities were Disneyland in Europe, cruises and islands.

The Beijing Utour International Travel Service had more than 400 itineraries and 200 professional consultants at BITE to assist visitors. Their popular packages are Taiwan, Thailand and a combination tour of France, Switzerland and Italy.

According to the company, BITE draws not only the middle-aged and the elderly, but also young people. The company offers diverse products, including air tickets and accommodations, to satisfy the demands of independent travelers.

BITE has also become a good platform for destinations that are less popular in China.

U V Jose Ias, director of Kerala Tourism from India, says the bureau mainly promotes the Kerala backwaters, a network of lakes, canals, and rivers that spread over Kerala state in South India, and the ancient regimen of Ayurveda.

Last year, about 5,000 Chinese visited Kerala.

He says Kerala is a good choice for a relaxing holiday. He also says Chinese visitors are more active than Europeans－they want to see more scenery and join more activities.

Options for tourists in Kerala include living in a wooden houseboat, a huge barge that moves slowly along the river. They can enjoy fresh fish dishes and the rejuvenating Ayurveda.

He also says tourists can join the snake-boat races that are held in August and September in the backwaters. Similar to China's dragon boats, the boat in Kerala is shaped like a snake.