In a significant development for China's expanding presence in the global market, Haichang Ocean Park recently hosted a delegation from the General Administration of Entertainment and Investment of Saudi Arabia. This meeting marks a significant step forward for Haichang Ocean Park, Asia's leading ocean-themed park operator, and a testament to China's burgeoning influence in the world of cultural tourism.
Cultural Exchange and Cooperation
On May 14th, the Saudi Arabian delegation, comprising key representatives from the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Investment, enjoyed a warm welcome at Haichang Ocean Park. The delegation's visit included an exploration of Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, complete with captivating experiences such as mermaid and killer whale shows. They also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Ultraman-themed entertainment area and Ultraman-themed hotel, a collaborative venture between Haichang Ocean Park and International IP.
The visit was more than just a tour; it marked a meaningful exchange of ideas and possibilities. Haichang Ocean Park engaged in active business discussions with the Saudi Arabian delegation, delving into the potential establishment of a marine theme park in Saudi Arabia. This move reinforces the longstanding diplomatic ties between China and Saudi Arabia and underscores their commitment to collaborative growth in the cultural tourism sector.
Expanding Global Footprint
Haichang Ocean Park's engagement with Saudi Arabia is not an isolated incident. In 2022, the park established enduring partnerships with countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines. In 2023, fueled by China's "Belt and Road" initiative and Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030," Haichang Ocean Park embarked on a journey to create an international marine theme park in the Middle East, solidifying its status as a world-class tourist destination.
A Resilient Recovery
The year 2023 has witnessed remarkable strides in the recovery of the tourism industry. During the May Day holiday, domestic tourism in China experienced a substantial resurgence, with a 70.83% year-on-year increase in trips compared to 2022. The number of trips even surpassed 2019 figures, reaching 119.09% of the same period two years prior. This resurgence provides a promising backdrop for collaborations such as the one between Haichang Ocean Park and Saudi Arabia.
Recognizing the importance of the Chinese market, the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority has undertaken strategic initiatives across key Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. This proactive engagement has led to over 20 strategic partnerships, positioning China as a pivotal source market for Saudi Arabia's tourism industry.
Haichang Ocean Park: A Rising Cultural Tourism Brand
Haichang Ocean Park stands as an exemplar of a leading cultural tourism brand in Asia. With multiple large-scale ocean theme parks and brand projects across more than 30 Chinese cities, it has garnered international recognition and acclaim. This year, the park achieved an impressive recovery, with nearly 650,000 visitors during the May Day holiday—a remarkable six-fold year-on-year increase. This figure also exceeded the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, demonstrating the industry's resilience.
The park's total turnover during the May Day holiday reached 91.9 million yuan, representing a significant uptick of approximately 73.5% compared to the same period in 2019. These remarkable figures showcase Haichang Ocean Park's prowess in revitalizing the tourism sector.
A Future of Innovation and Expansion
As Haichang Ocean Park looks to the future, it remains committed to a path of high-quality development. It is currently working on several exciting domestic projects, including the upcoming opening of Zhengzhou Haichang Ocean Park in the latter half of 2023. The expansion of Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's second phase is also underway, and the Haichang Ocean (Exploration) Museum is set to open its doors by the end of 2023.
Moreover, Haichang Ocean Park is actively integrating international IPs like "Ultraman" and "Baby Shark" while creating its own unique IP, "the world's first intelligent bionic whale shark," to infuse technology-driven innovation into the theme park experience.
In closing, Haichang Ocean Park's recent collaboration with Saudi Arabia exemplifies China's rising influence in the global cultural tourism market. As more Chinese companies venture abroad, we can expect to witness the emergence of more iconic "Chinese business cards" in the international arena. The journey of Haichang Ocean Park serves as a shining example of this transformative trend, injecting newfound vitality into the world economy.
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