Ningbo welcomes first foreign-owned travel agency

International visitors travel in Ningbo. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Zhongxi Energy Development (Ningbo) Co Ltd, operated by a Sri Lankan entrepreneur, recently received a landmark Travel Agency Business License issued by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism.

The milestone marks the official establishment of the first foreign-owned travel agency in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.

Abeysekara, the company's legal representative, expressed his excitement after receiving the license. Having studied in Shanghai and later ventured into foreign trade in Ningbo, he has resided in Ningbo for over 30 years.

Located in Jiangbei district, the travel agency focuses on inbound tourism, leveraging expanding visa-free policies and simplified customs procedures in China.

Initially involved in foreign trade, Abeysekara noticed a growing interest among international business partners from the Middle East, India and Sri Lanka to explore Ningbo – leading to the idea of starting a travel agency.

The office currently employs three multilingual guides. The first group of visitors, including a 20-member tour from Qatar and a group from Sri Lanka, is expected to arrive during the Chinese New Year.

The development marks the fourth foreign-owned travel agency in Zhejiang province, emphasizing its significance.

The Ningbo municipal bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism has introduced several initiatives to streamline the applications process for travel agency businesses, including online applications services.

The entry of foreign-owned travel agencies is expected to invigorate the local tourism market with diverse international resources and advanced management practices – enhancing Ningbo's global visibility and attracting more international tourists.