Bridging Cultures Through Travel
Zaheer Najeeb, executive director of India's Great India Tour Company, has redefined cultural exploration since developing China-focused tourism routes after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His itineraries blend iconic landmarks like the Great Wall with immersive experiences highlighting daily life in the Chinese mainland.
\"It’s been eye-opening – not just tourism, but understanding Chinese lifestyles,\" Zaheer told reporters, emphasizing how interactions with local residents transformed his perspective.
Pandemic Pause and Future Hopes
While COVID-19 temporarily halted cross-border tourism between India and China, Zaheer remains optimistic. \"We’re ready to rebuild connections,\" he said, noting that 78% of his clients previously prioritized cultural engagement over standard sightseeing.
Tourism as Global Dialogue
Industry analysts suggest such people-to-people exchanges could aid post-pandemic economic recovery while fostering mutual understanding. Zaheer’s model – emphasizing authentic interactions – reflects growing demand for transformative travel among younger globetrotters.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
