Building upon the catalytic effects of hosting the Tourism Development Conference, Hengyang’s tourism sector has entered an accelerated growth trajectory. Mount Heng (Nanyue) has been recognized by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance as one of the first "World Famous Mountain Tourism Destinations," while the Five Sacred Mountains Trekking Route was listed as an "International Mountain Hiking Exemplary Trail." Hengyang was awarded the "2024 Most Influential Cultural Tourism Destination" by the Urban Tourism Alliance. In 2024, the number of inbound tourists is projected to surge by over 40 times year-on-year, with inbound tourism revenue expected to grow by more than 50 times, signaling rapid expansion in the international tourism market. Moving forward, Hengyang must capitalize on this momentum, continue striving, and accelerate the comprehensive development of a world-class tourism destination.

I. Optimizing Inbound Accessibility: Facilitating Seamless Global Mobility

1. Leverage Policies to Expand Markets

Capitalizing on recent National Immigration Administration reforms—including the extension of transit visa-free stays to 10 days, the addition of 21 entry-exit ports, and expanded permissible activity zones—Hengyang shall align with national inbound tourism promotion policies. Strategic initiatives include incentivizing travel agencies to cultivate overseas markets and facilitating inspection tours for international travel operators.

2. Resource Integration for Multimodal Connectivity

Despite lacking an international aviation port, Hengyang can position itself as a pivotal node in multimodal tourism circuits through collaborative partnerships with visa-exempt gateway cities (e.g., Shanghai, Changsha, Zhangjiajie). Tactical measures include synchronizing flight frequencies to visa-free hubs with airlines and augmenting high-speed rail connectivity to Hong Kong via the Guangzhou Railway Group.

3. Open Ports to Break Bottlenecks

Expedite the establishment of an international aviation port at Nanyue Airport through inter-ministerial coordination, securing fiscal and policy support to eliminate accessibility bottlenecks and enhance global reach.

II. Amplifying Global Engagement: Elevating City Brand Recognition

1. Craft a Global City IP with International Vision

Refine Hengyang’s core values—its history, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage into a globally recognizable city IP—the fire rituals of Zhurong (the Chinese mythological God of Fire), Cai Lun’s papermaking legacy. Highlight unique selling points like "China’s only" or "world’s first" attractions, such as the world’s largest bamboo sea, the world’s largest ceremonial cauldron, and Mount Heng (the only southern Chinese mountain honored as a "Sacred Peak"). Produce multilingual promotional materials and strategically distribute them on platforms like Tripadvisor, Booking, Trip.com, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to build a comprehensive international marketing network.

2. Market-Specific Outreach Strategies

Leverage big data analytics to precisely identify the tourism preferences and consumption patterns of visitors from different countries and regions, formulate differentiated marketing strategies that cater to the personalized and diversified demands of inbound tourists, and unlock the key to attracting global visitors. For European and American markets, emphasize ecological adventures and historical exploration; for neighboring Asian countries, promote longevity culture (Mount Heng as the "Mountain of Longevity"), spiritual blessing rituals, and gourmet experiences; for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, highlight wartime heritage, the cultural legacy of Mount Heng, and the legendary "Hengshan Sect" featured in Jin Yong’s martial arts novels.

3. Foster International Collaboration Through Regular Exchanges

Adopt a dual approach of "bringing in international influence" and "expanding global reach." Foster sustained collaboration with globally renowned travel bloggers, and invite international students and foreign influencers to experience "Enchanting Hengyang". Co-create culturally immersive, emotionally resonant marketing campaigns that spark authentic word-of-mouth advocacy.Participate in global tourism forums to establish institutionalized partnerships with overseas tourism authorities, jointly develop cross-border tourism products, and implement reciprocal tourist-sharing initiatives to accelerate Hengyang’s integration into the global tourism ecosystem.

III. Develop Diverse "New Business Formats" to Enhance Visitor Experiences

1. Highlight Cultural Heritage

Reinterpret the essence of Hengyang culture—Mount Heng’s prayer culture, Shigu Academy’s Confucian legacy, Cai Lun’s Papermaking Heritage in the Bamboo Sea, and the Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall—through an international lens. Upgrade existing cultural tourism projects with globally appealing packaging, designing immersive and humanistic itineraries that allow foreign visitors to deeply engage with Chinese culture and foster cross-cultural dialogue.

2. Ignite Bustling Local Charm

Provide multiple night consumption scenes for inbound tourists ,optimize tourist flow for extended stays to enhance comprehensive tourism benefits. Develop food streets, folk culture districts, and nighttime cultural hubs, hosting regular performances, light shows, and traditional craft workshops. Cultivate innovative nighttime formats to showcase Hengyang’s urban vitality and authentic local lifestyle.

3. Boost Interactive Engagement

Enhance the diversity and sophistication of cultural tourism offerings by developing a globally competitive product portfolio aligned with world-class destinations: establish the "Greater Hengshan International Health and Wellness Resort" as a premium retreat destination, transform the "Three-Rivers Cultural Corridor" into an urban leisure hub along the Xiang, Zheng, and Lei riverbanks, launch cultural performances like The Legend of Zhurong and Wang Chuanshan, and design interactive events such as temple fairs, culinary festivals, and stargazing nights. Integrate 5G, AI, and VR technologies to recreate historical scenes, enable interactive performances, and provide smart guided tours, delivering fashionable,cutting-edge and immersive experiences.

IV. Build a "Frictionless Service Network" for Seamless Experiences

1. Ensure Clear Communication

Install multilingual signage (Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean) at key tourist sites, hotels, transit hubs, and commercial areas, covering attractions, directions, facilities, and safety notices. This attention to detail will enhance accessibility and reflect the city’s hospitality and convenience.

2. Bridge Language Barriers

Strengthen foreign-language guide training through partnerships with universities and professional institutions, cultivating a cohort of linguistically skilled, culturally adept guides. Promote foreign language proficiency across tourism sectors—hotels, restaurants, and retail—to ensure smooth communication and high-quality service.

3. Simplify Payment Systems

Modernize payment infrastructure to accommodate international preferences. Ensure scenic spots, hotels, and businesses accept credit cards, mobile payments, and foreign currency exchange. Streamline currency conversion through coordinated efforts among banks, exchange services, travel agencies, and guides, enabling tourists to "convert easily and shop freely." Elevate tourism service quality and optimize the international travel service ecosystem to boost consumer satisfaction.