Professor Li Mimi of Hong Kong Polytechnic University- China’s study tourism has great prospects

On October 18, during an expert conference at the 2024 United Nations World Tourism Organization/Asia Pacific Tourism Association conference in Guilin, Professor Li Mimi from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management spoke about the growing trend of educational travel in China, particularly its focus on children.

“Many families have a strong willingness to invest in better education for their children, which reveals a significant market potential for educational travel in China,” she noted.

Highlighting the importance of cultural connections, Professor Li emphasized that as of 2020, nearly 60 million overseas Chinese have the advantage of shared language and culture, which helps them integrate more easily into China’s travel environment.

She described how summer camps, referred to as “root-seeking journeys,” successfully combine tourism and education. By collaborating with universities to develop educational content, these programs allow participants to enjoy travel while delving deeply into Chinese culture.

Professor Li shared that approximately 25,000 overseas Chinese youth visit China each year for these root-seeking journeys, experiencing the breathtaking landscapes firsthand, learning about Chinese history and culture, and engaging with traditional customs, folk arts, and culinary delights.

“A major motivation for children participating in these journeys is to explore the places where their parents once lived. They get to see the scenes and stories their parents described, fostering intergenerational connections that help them feel the warmth of family and the continuity of culture. The root-seeking journeys provide a unique opportunity for them to better understand their identity and cultural roots,” she explained.

In her perspective, Guangxi holds distinct advantages in the field of educational tourism. “Guangxi is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities, boasting rich local, traditional, and ethnic cultures. Moreover, Guilin has gained international recognition as a tourist destination, making it particularly attractive for children involved in educational travel.”