For the past 14 years, French expat Frederic Francis Lievre has been living in China. "Mainly in North China," he said, "in Beijing, Shenyang, Dalian."

Between 2017 and 2020, he resided in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, a city he considered "the most livable" of all the cities he has called home.

This year, Lievre returned to Hangzhou, as general manager of Marriott Executive Apartments Hangzhou.

"Over the past few months, foreign guests have been coming back," Lievre said, attributing that to a strong rebound in the Chinese economy since the government relaxed COVID-19 measures.

An avid photographer and a passionate soccer fan, he has been working hard to prepare for the Asian Games, which will be held in the city in September and October.

"We have strengthened our English training ensure that all people coming to visit during this time are served with the highest possible quality," he said.

Perhaps more important, his hotel is readying staff members to better understand cultural differences they may encounter when more foreign guests visit during the Games.

Being in the hospitality industry, he thought it a pity that he couldn't watch the Asian Games in person during the event, since he will certainly be too busy.

"The Asian Games will be a booster for the Hangzhou leisure market," Lievre said. "The second half of 2023 should be very, very strong."