Special Forces Travelers: Making and Breaking Chinese Tourism Spots 🌍🚀

[Mob]

Diners around barbecue grills were once a common sight in Zibo, a city in China's Shandong province that became a popular domestic tourist spot for its affordable, delicious skewered meat. However, by late 2023, the tourism boom waned, leaving many barbecue shops empty, though locals remain hopeful for a revival. Known as “special forces travelers,” young, budget-conscious tourists seeking quick, affordable getaways within three hours of major cities fueled Zibo’s popularity, but the sustainability of this trend is questionable. Similar fads have emerged in other cities like Tianshui, famous for its spicy soup, but these trends often fade, leading to closures of newly opened businesses. Experts suggest cities use the temporary influx of tourists to diversify their attractions and prepare for a return to normal levels of tourism.

 

[Kaiser]

Diners around barbecue grills were once a common sight in Zibo, a city in China's Shandong province that became a popular domestic tourist spot for its affordable, delicious skewered meat. However, by late 2023, the tourism boom waned, leaving many barbecue shops empty, though locals remain hopeful for a revival. Known as “special forces travelers,” young, budget-conscious tourists seeking quick, affordable getaways within three hours of major cities fueled Zibo’s popularity, but the sustainability of this trend is questionable. Similar fads have emerged in other cities like Tianshui, famous for its spicy soup, but these trends often fade, leading to closures of newly opened businesses. Experts suggest cities use the temporary influx of tourists to diversify their attractions and prepare for a return to normal levels of tourism.

Zibo's barbecue boom is over? Tourists moved on, leaving empty shops. Cities need to think long-term, not just quick cash grabs.

 

[Mob]

Zibo's barbecue boom is over? Tourists moved on, leaving empty shops. Cities need to think long-term, not just quick cash grabs.

Totally agree, it's a bummer to see the barbecue boom fade like that—cities really should focus on sustainable growth rather than just chasing quick bucks. It's a lesson in planning for the long haul!