Some of the people of Asia, especially the Chinese and the South Koreans, have been experiencing a huge growth in their middle classes. As a result, more people are now able to afford foreign travel. Just as the Europeans, after recuperating from World War II, have been coming here for decades, now with the Asian economy having improved during the past 20 or so years, we are seeing many more people visiting from the Far East, especially from China and South Korea.
Felton’s Roaring Camp Railroad has had to increase the number of trains that they run in June, July and August because the peak vacation season for the visitors is the same as ours, according to Joanne Hirasaki, Director of Sales & Marketing. They have had to add non-scheduled trains to accommodate the visitors and the “train robbery” has become mandatory for these enthusiastic fans of the Old West cowboy-era visitors.
Another factor encouraging travel to the United States is that the length of time a visa is valid has been increased from three years to 10 years. The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website section, “The Straight Facts on U.S. Visas in China” states: “From FY2006 to FY2014, the non-immigrant visas issued to Chinese nationals increased more the 462%.” “Non-immigrant” or “B” visas are defined as business and tourist visas.
According to Hirasaki, the increase in longevity for a visa from three years to 10 years, the huge growth in the middle classes, more air service to California, and more tour companies offering trips to the U.S. account for more Asian tourists. San Francisco has China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines and Korean Airlines flying in from the cities of Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Beijing, Singapore, and Taiwan. There are more flights coming into Los Angeles as well. As of June 2015, Hainan Airlines is flying from Beijing into San Jose International.
She also commented that the Asians are attracted to the beauty of our natural wonders. Our redwood forests are of great interest to them. Just as for many Europeans, the Western-style cowboy culture with the train robbery and a barbecue dinner is a huge draw. Photo ops with conductors, engineers, and engines are always popular. Since almost all the younger visitors understand English, the tours are given in English. However, in the event there is a need, they do have written material in Mandarin.
Finally, with a population of 1,365,090,000 people as of June 2014, China is the world’s most populous country and also the world’s second largest economy. Although there has been a recent downturn in their stock market, in the opinion of Franklin Templeton, the prediction is that their market will recoup. Their forecast is that in the next decade China will become the world’s largest economic power. No doubt we will be seeing even more Chinese tourists in the future.
