Cozy shelter for stranded foreign tourists

Video by Lin Songtao

Typhoon Ragasa has passed, but it left behind many heartwarming stories. At the InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort in Yantian District, a total of 443 foreign visitors safely rode out the storm at the coastal hotel thanks to the joint efforts of local authorities and the hotel.

The visitors were part of a 1,143-member international tourist group from 30 countries and regions, including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia. The group had planned a four-day trip to Shenzhen in two batches.

However, their itinerary was disrupted by the super typhoon. In response to the emergency, the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau, the travel agency, the hotel, and other institutions acted quickly. They worked together to help the tourists weather the typhoon, rearrange their trip, rebook flights, and provide a safe and secure stay at the hotel, which provided well-organized catering and entertainment.

Guests relax in the hotel lobby after the typhoon passed Thursday, enjoying the calm atmosphere and amenities. Photos by Chen Siqi unless otherwise stated

“We felt the power of nature! You see those strong winds and rapid waves,” said Denis Ananev, a tourist from Russia. “For many of us, it was our first time experiencing a typhoon in person, so we were very curious to see what it was really like.”

“Some of us felt a little terrified at first, but the travel agency and the hotel made very considerate arrangements. We could swim in the indoor pool, go to the gym, or chat in the lobby,” Denis Ananev added. “Even though it was an emergency, we all had a nice day.”

Denis Ananev (R) from Russia exchanges views with a group member at the InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort in Yantian District on Thursday.

According to Cheng Liangyu, general manager of the Shenzhen-based travel agency BOTUNE, which organized the trip, the company began preparing emergency plans Sept. 20 upon hearing the news of the approaching super typhoon and its potential impact on Shenzhen.

“The city’s culture and sports bureau, as well as the Yantian District’s culture and sports bureau, contacted us and helped us communicate with the hotel and other relevant departments,” said Cheng.

Facing the situation of accommodating nearly 500 tourists, the hotel was fully prepared. Min Chengyong, the hotel's general manager, explained that having been heavily impacted by Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, the hotel had learned from the experience. It now has stronger facilities and well-practiced procedures.

Foreign tourists watch Typhoon Ragasa from inside the InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort on Wednesday, as palm trees sway under powerful winds and heavy rain. Courtesy of BOTUNE

Tourists capture blue skies and coastal views outside the resort as weather conditions clear following Typhoon Ragasa on Thursday.

The hotel stockpiled enough supplies to last four days. Since many tourists were from Russian-speaking countries, they added reminders in Russian, advising everyone to be mindful of the typhoon, stay away from the sea, and remain indoors.

“The typhoon has now passed, and the customers will continue their trip as scheduled. They will begin leaving Shenzhen on Saturday,” said Cheng.