How do you convince people to travel again after a pandemic? Meituan Dianping thinks live streams are the answer. The multi-purpose app is broadcasting live tours at some of China’s most popular vacation spots, like the Shaolin Monastery and Hangzhou’s West Lake. Unlike traditional travel documentaries, live streams allow viewers to chat with tour guides in real time by posting comments.
China’s online travel sites resumed bookings late last month following a two-month hiatus. With infections largely under control in the country, companies are expecting a surge in domestic travelers who’ve been stuck at home for weeks, especially in the upcoming Labor Day holiday in May.
Meituan’s travel booking and meal delivery services were hit hard during the height of the pandemic. With businesses closed and transportation grounded, the company saw orders plunge in the first weeks of the lockdown. In a conference call last month, CEO Wang Xing said the impact will probably be seen throughout this year.