China (Guangdong) International Tourism Industry Expo 2023 (CITIE 2023), one of China's largest tourism fairs, kicked off at Area A in the Canton Fair Complex on September 15 and will run through September 17.

This year, the CITIE will attract tourism agencies, scenic spots, andenterprises from over 50 countries and regions, including Saudi Arabia and Georgia,for the first time.

Grigalashvili Tatia, a Georgian exhibitor, said that they plan to introduce some tours to the country to attract more Chinese visitors. She added that as Georgia decided to introduce a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens a few days ago, it will be easier for Chinese tourists to visit Georgia.

Saint Petersburg in Russia also made its debut of CITIE this year. "It's quite a big space. There are many visitors, and we feel their interest in traveling," said Michael Voronko, an exhibitor from this city. He also mentioned that they have prepared special packages for visitors and will try to get more new partners during the expo.

The expo features cultural speciality and tourism resources at home and abroad. Visitors can enjoy a series of activities such as a Muaythai contest, music shows and other art performances, as well as tourism promotion events. Travel agencies, hotels, resorts, and airlines offer various discount packages for consumers.

An area about Guangdong's new tourism format is one of the highlights during the CITIE 2023. Seventeen enterprises showcase the diversification of tourism in terms of rural leisure, art and culture, film and animation, music and performing arts, food, sports, and shopping.

Furthermore, an online expo is underway until September 30. Focusing on the metaverse concept, it combines intangible cultural heritage and cultural and creative products with high techs like 5G, VR, AR, and the digital twin.