US Consulate seeks to inspire wanderlust in Chinese travelers

US Consul General in Shanghai Sean Stein speaks at the newly renovated waiting room on Sept 7. GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY

The US Consulate in Shanghai has re-outfitted its waiting room with photos of many natural wonders in the United States to woo Chinese travelers.

The project is a joint effort with Brand USA, an organization dedicated to marketing the US as a premier travel destination, and is aimed at promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as emphasizing the importance of Chinese tourism in the US, according to Consular Chief Bill Weissman, who presided over the ribbon cutting for the project's completion on Sept 7.

US Consul General in Shanghai Sean Stein pointed out that an increasing number of US tourists are visiting regions in China such as Yunnan, Heilong-jiang, Tibet instead of just the major cities, and that he would like for Chinese tourists to do the same.

"What we hope is that when people come through the room, they'll look at the poster on the side and decide to go beyond usual destinations like San Francisco or New York to see the many other amazing things in the US, such as visiting Utah, the Grand Canyon, and other small towns," said Stein.

"As more and more Chinese travelers go to the US to experience America, they are helping the US economy and supporting many good US jobs."

The redecoration of the US Consular Section's queuing area aims to not only ensure that each visa applicant has as positive an experience as possible when they apply for a US visa, but also to promote a new brand of independent travel to the US that is quickly on the rise, he added.

China has become the number one market for US travel and tourism exports and is its largest market in terms of spending. Last year, almost 3 million Chinese nationals visited the US - a 15.5 percent year-on-year growth - and spent $33 billion on tourism expenses.

He Qi in Shanghai contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at heqi@chinadaily.com.cn