Zhejiang Powers Ahead in Smart Tourism with AI Travel Platform

Zhejiang Sets New Standard for Smart Tourism in China

Zhejiang Province has catapulted itself into the future of global tourism with the launch of its groundbreaking “Zhejiang Travel” platform—the first provincial-level AI-powered tourism system in China.

Unveiled on June 26 in Hangzhou, this pioneering initiative represents a significant milestone for smart tourism, integrating advanced technology to offer a seamless, deeply personalized travel experience for both domestic and international visitors.

Developed by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism, the platform reimagines how travelers plan, explore, and navigate one of China’s most culturally rich provinces.

The Engine Behind “Zhejiang Travel”

At the core of Zhejiang Travel are two robust AI engines: Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen (Qwen) and DeepSeek. Together, they power a system designed to elevate every facet of the travel journey.

Unlike traditional travel apps, this platform provides dynamic, AI-driven services that anticipate traveler needs and deliver real-time solutions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, Zhejiang Travel makes every trip smarter and more engaging.

Four AI Agents Redefining Tourism Services

Zhejiang Travel stands out for its integration of four specialized AI modules, each crafted to address critical aspects of a traveler’s journey:

• AI Tour Guide: Curates custom scenic routes, blending historical storytelling with modern attractions, transforming sightseeing into an immersive narrative experience.

• Hotel Consultant: Recommends accommodations tailored to personal preferences, group sizes, and budget, streamlining the decision-making process for travelers and travel planners alike.

• Budget Planner: Offers real-time expense forecasts and budgeting tools, empowering travelers—and B2B agents—to manage costs with precision.

• Neighborhood Assistant: Delivers hyperlocal recommendations for dining, shopping, and cultural events, ensuring authentic experiences in every city corner.

For travel agents, tour operators, and corporate planners, these tools offer immense potential to design highly tailored itineraries that cater to diverse traveler segments.

Seamless Travel with the “Easy GO” QR Code

One of the platform’s standout innovations is its “Easy GO” smart QR code, a unified digital key that simplifies nearly every aspect of the travel process:

• Visa and Immigration Processing: Streamlines applications and customs checks, reportedly slashing wait times by over 60%.

• Hotel Check-Ins: Enables travelers to check into hotels swiftly, bypassing lengthy front desk queues.

• Attraction Access: Eliminates paper tickets, granting fast-track entry to museums, parks, and heritage sites.

• Public Transport Payments: Integrates with major international payment platforms, allowing effortless use of buses, trains, and taxis.

For B2B professionals, this is a game-changing upgrade, allowing agencies to promise smoother, faster, and more secure experiences for international clients.

Real-Time Translation: Breaking Down Language Barriers

The platform’s proprietary “Gummy” translation model offers instantaneous multilingual communication—an essential tool for non-Chinese-speaking tourists.

From reading menus to conversing with locals, real-time translation ensures travelers feel confident and connected, regardless of language barriers. For B2B agencies, this feature is a powerful selling point for international clients seeking seamless, stress-free travel in China.

High-Tech Extras Elevating Travel

Beyond its core services, Zhejiang Travel provides several additional features designed to enhance the visitor experience:

• Ride-Hailing & Car Rentals: Integrates local transport options for flexible travel.

• AI-Enhanced Photography: Assists tourists in capturing flawless photos, perfect for social media-savvy clients.

• Luggage Transfer Services: Offers convenient baggage delivery between locations, ideal for multi-city itineraries.

• Dynamic Travel Routes: Uses real-time data to adjust itineraries for optimal experiences.

These innovations are especially relevant for corporate travel planners and premium tour operators aiming to deliver elevated, tech-driven experiences.

Riding the Wave of Tourism Growth

The timing for this innovation couldn’t be better. In 2024, Zhejiang recorded an 873% increase in visa-free foreign entries, welcoming approximately 131,000 international visitors.

The province is also pioneering themed tours and tax refund schemes to attract more travelers, underlining its ambition to become a global tourism powerhouse.

A Blueprint for Global Smart Tourism

Zhejiang Travel is more than a regional initiative—it’s a glimpse into the future of global tourism.

Its fusion of AI, digital identity, and personalized services sets a new benchmark that other destinations worldwide are likely to emulate. For travel professionals, it signals how technology can transform client expectations and redefine service standards in the industry.

As the platform evolves, Zhejiang is poised not only to boost its local tourism economy but also to influence smart tourism strategies far beyond China’s borders.

Conclusion: Opportunities for the B2B Travel Sector

For B2B travel agents, corporate planners, and aviation professionals, Zhejiang’s AI-powered tourism platform presents both inspiration and opportunity.

By harnessing technology to streamline processes, enhance personalization, and remove travel barriers, Zhejiang demonstrates how innovation can drive tourism growth and elevate the traveler experience.

Agencies ready to integrate such innovations into their own services will be well-positioned to meet the demands of the next generation of travelers.

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