On January 10, the three-day TravelXpo 2025 opened grandly at the NOVA Spektrum Exhibition Center in Oslo. As a highly anticipated tourism event in Scandinavia, the exhibition attracted global tourism professionals and marked the prominent return of the China pavilion, becoming the focal point of the event.
China Pavilion Impresses with New Inbound Tourism Policies
For the first exhibition since the pandemic, the China National Tourist Office London participated, presenting the “Chinese Style” pavilion to comprehensively showcase China’s new policies for facilitating inbound tourism. Notable guests, including Hou Yue, Ambassador of China to Norway; Senior Advisor of Visit Norway Ola Roneid; and Exhibition Director Kari Anne Scwach, visited the pavilion and highly praised its thoughtful design and rich activities.
Ola Roneid remarked that Hainan Airlines’ resumption of direct flights from Beijing to Oslo and China’s 30-day visa-free policy for Norwegian citizens provide a significant opportunity to deepen tourism cooperation between the two countries. He expressed hope that more Norwegian tourists would explore China, a land of mystery and allure.
Winter Tourism Theme Shines, Cultural Experiences Captivate
The China pavilion launched the “Nihao! China” winter inbound tourism promotion, attracting many visitors. The event featured detailed introductions to China’s winter tourism routes, highlighting ice and snow destinations like Beijing, Harbin, and Changbai Mountain, offering Nordic tourists unique winter travel inspiration.
A highlight of the event was the ethnic minority costume show. Models from the Yi, Dong, Gaoshan, Uighur, and Zhuang from ethnic minorities in China showcased vibrant traditional clothing. Exquisite embroidery, dazzling accessories, and distinctive ethnic charm received waves of applause from the audience.
Pan Hang, Director Assistant of the China National Tourist Office London, also delivered a keynote speech, providing an in-depth interpretation of China’s ice and snow tourism resources, new flight routes, and favorable tourism policies such as the 30-day visa-free entry and the 240-hour visa-free transit. An exciting prize quiz session further heightened audience interest in traveling to China.
Happy Hour: Culinary Delights and Tea Culture Ignite Enthusiasm
To bring Nordic audiences closer to Chinese culture, the China pavilion specially hosted a Happy Hour event, offering classic Chinese snacks like mung bean cakes and Lüdagun, along with an elegant Chinese tea experience. A bite of a sweet delicacy and a sip of warm Chinese tea not only bridged China and the world but also left the audience with unforgettable taste memories.
Strengthening Bilateral Exchanges, Creating a Bright Tourism Future
The China pavilion at TravelXpo 2025 not only showcased China’s natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also conveyed China’s hospitality and openness through policy explanations and interactive experiences. With the resumption of direct flights and the implementation of visa-free policies, tourism cooperation between China and Norway is entering a new golden era.
“Nihao! China” is captivating more and more global travelers with its unique charm, inviting them on a journey of exploration.
