From the tough times expats emerge upbeat about the future
- By Yan Wei
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E-mail Beijing Review, June 16, 2020
Like Weston, David Krings, a designer-turned bar owner, has also made this city of 4 million people his home away from home. The German came to Xiamen in 2012 and after a few years working for different companies, opened a beer hangout, Fat Fat Beer Horse.
He was doing brisk business when COVID-19 struck, taking a heavy toll on his pub. But now, with things returning to normal, the city government has offered incentives to rev up the economy.
"We all feel it is getting better now," the 42-year-old said. "The government has done a lot to help revive the tourism industry. The measures are helpful to our business."
For instance, the government has waived part of his rent. From April to the end of June, visitors are exempt from having to buy tickets at major tourist destinations. Public transport is also free on weekends and public holidays.
As part of its efforts to attract more customers at this special time when social distancing is encouraged, Fat Fat Beer Horse is offering takeaway services too.
The pub, located in an art district, is popular with indigenous young locals. Krings, determined to create brands for craft beer, is optimistic about the future as his business recovers.
"Fat Fat Beer Horse? David is fat, he was born in the year of the horse, and he makes beer. As simple as that," Krings' wife Lin Tingting explained in an earlier interview with Beijing Review.
