Fireworks are seen during the opening ceremony of the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Aug. 7, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

The World Games (TWG) 2025 Chengdu kicked off on Thursday, attracting nearly 4,000 athletes from more than 110 countries and regions in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Bolstered by international sporting events and visa-free transit policies, neighboring and inbound tourism is expected to reach record highs in the city, which is renowned for its hotpot, face-changing performance in Sichuan Opera, and giant pandas, analysts said. 

In order to boost tourism, A-level scenic spots in Sichuan Province have introduced a series of preferential policies for athletes, staff and volunteers participating in the 2025 TWG from Thursday to August 17, according to the official WeChat account of the Chengdu municipal government. 

A total of 104 scenic spots are participating, including 13 5A-level attractions such as the Jiuzhaigou National Park, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Mount Emei and Jianmen Pass, as well as 91 4A-level sites, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Benefits include free entry tickets and discounted cable car and sightseeing vehicle fares.

Additionally, those who present 46 types of tickets in six major categories - including event tickets, performance tickets, marriage certificates, scenic spot tickets and museum tickets - can enjoy exclusive discounts at selected restaurants, shopping areas and hotels in Chengdu, local media outlets reported.

To complement the 2025 TWG, Chengdu has launched 100 premium consumption scenarios, including ancient townships.

Analysts said that events such as the TWG serve not only as competitive stages but also as "mobile business cards" for cultural and tourism promotion. During the sports events, the influx of athletes, teams and global spectators will directly boost demand for hotels, transportation, catering and other industries, fueling consumption.

Such major events can significantly boost the international visibility and reputation of host cities, attracting more foreign tourists, Song Xiangqing, a vice president of the Commerce Economy Association of China, told the Global Times on Thursday.

"As the host city, Chengdu will leverage its unique cultural charm, rich tourism resources, and robust infrastructure to gain broader exposure and showcase its appeal alongside the event," said Song.

A manager surnamed Liao from a Chengdu-based travel agency told the Global Times that the company's tour guides have been overwhelmed since mid-July, as "the number of inbound tourist groups they handled far exceeds previous years."

Chengdu is also making efforts to invigorate inbound consumption and promote the upgrading of outbound tax refund services. 

The city vowed to develop a duty-free and tax-refunded economy, according to an implementation plan released in May. The city said that it will support more qualified merchants to become departure tax refund stores and release a new list of "buy-and-refund" shops.

Song also suggested deepening the integration of culture, commerce, tourism and sports to create new international consumption scenarios. 

"Diverse tourism products and services can be created to enhance consumer engagement, encouraging tourists to enjoy additional consumption experiences beyond watching events," said Song.

Global Times