Tourism Cities in China to Make Most of Unique Character: Expert

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, January 15, 2002

Tourism Cities in China to Make Most of Unique Character: Expert

China's major sightseeing destinations should take utmost advantage of their unique characteristics to open up most of China's plentiful tourism resources, said Michael MacNulty, a consultant for the World Tourism Organization who recently traveled 10 popular tourism cities in China in order to help China formulate the "Best Tourism Cities" criterion together with China National Tourism Administration.

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Features to Be Drawn on

MacNulty said the vast areas of offered an abundance of various physical environments and cultures -- features which can be drawn on when developing tourism.

He noted China's ancient and modern cities offer totally different appeal: the city of Xi'an features a civilization thousands of years old, while Shenzhen fascinated visitors with its theme parks as well as its fast economic development.

Focus on Different Highlights

MacNulty pointed out that tourism sites, such as those which are industrial-oriented, should strive to come up with different highlights for tour programs, and it is important to design various kinds of scenic spots and tourism souvenirs representative of the entire country.

At the moment, almost all Chinese cities are developing their tourism industry. MacNulty stressed that according to international norms, cities should first make comprehensive plans that take into consideration consumer's wishes. This will help city planners focus on special tourism options.

Support by Local Governments

"As long as the local governments pay attention to the traditional culture and the ethnic characteristics in trying to develop particular products, every tourism city in China will appeal to visitors from home and abroad," he added.

China plans to select a few best tourism cities from the current 141 best cities, and to promote the criterion of the WTO and national tourism administration to other countries.

China Strives to Be The World's Top Tourist Destination by 2020

Speaking at the opening day of the 2001 World Tourism Day Celebration in Ningbo on Thursday, Sun Gang, deputy director of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), said that tourism not only makes contributions to local economic and social development, but also plays an important role in encouraging non-governmental diplomacy and peaceful dialogue in international affairs.

According to CNTA sources, the number of overseas tourists coming to the Chinese mainland steadily increased from January 2001 to July 2001.

By the end of July, the number of tourists entering the mainland totaled 50.26 million, an increase of 5.9 per cent over the same period last year.

China Expecting 90 Million Overseas Arrivals This Year

China expects 90 million arrivals this year, sources with the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) said on January 08 at the annual tourism conference in Bo'ao, Hainan Province.

China will intensify tourism promotion in its neighboring countries this year. China has so far signed over 20 bilateral tourism agreements with foreign countries, many of which are with neighboring countries.

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