Interviewer: Can you share some insights about the recent surge in tourism in the ancient city of Pingyao during the National Day holiday?
Hao Dajun: Absolutely! As a historical and cultural gem, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national 5A-rated tourist attraction, Pingyao saw a significant influx of visitors this National Day. Our main goal has been to create a guest-centered atmosphere where everyone feels valued and welcomed. We have focused on enhancing the overall experience and satisfaction for our visitors.
Interviewer: What strategies have been put in place to manage the crowds during this peak season?
Hao Dajun: Considering the city’s maximum capacity, we’ve implemented various precautions to avoid overcrowding and ensure the safety of our guests. We announce the total capacity of 113,602 people through our official channels. Our tourism police collaborate regularly with the scenic area company to keep track of visitor numbers. When we approach peak capacity, we activate our emergency plan, which includes crowd control measures, effective communication, and public announcements to ensure our visitors understand and support these actions.
Interviewer: There have been ongoing concerns about ticket scalping and illegal ticket sales. What measures are being taken to combat this issue?
Hao Dajun: The growing demand for cultural and tourism activities has led to a shortage of tickets for popular attractions, which unfortunately has encouraged scalping. The Ministry of Public Security is tackling this with a nationwide campaign aimed at combating illegal ticket sales. They have implemented a comprehensive strategy that combines online and offline efforts to dismantle these operations.
Interviewer: Can you share some specific actions being taken to address the scalping issue?
Hao Dajun: Certainly! Law enforcement is gathering intelligence from various sources and targeting major cases with specialized investigations. They are focused on taking down organized ticket scalping rings, especially those using software to acquire tickets illegally. This initiative also involves collaboration with multiple departments to strengthen management and establish a robust system to protect our visitors’ interests.
Interviewer: How are local authorities working to ensure that ticket access remains fair and orderly?
Hao Dajun: To prevent illegal ticket sales, we have implemented a strict real-name policy for both the ‘Pingyao Ancient City’ ticket and ‘You Jian Pingyao’ tickets, requiring visitors to present their ID cards at entry points. We’ve launched campaigns across social media and set up dedicated channels on our official sites to promote legitimate ticket sales and discourage fraud.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for tourists when it comes to purchasing tickets?
Hao Dajun: It’s crucial for tourists to purchase tickets only from authorized channels and to avoid engaging with scalpers. If anyone encounters suspicious activity related to illegal ticket sales, we strongly encourage them to report it to the police immediately.
Interviewer: Thank you, Hao, for sharing these insights into how you’re working to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Hao Dajun: Thank you for having me. Our top priority is to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all of our guests.