Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, November 17, 2002
Guilin to Hold Major Asian Tourism Forum
A Boao Forum for Asia Tourism Conference is soon to be held in Guilin, a major scenic tourist destination in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
A Boao Forum for Asia Tourism Conference is soon to be held in Guilin, a major scenic tourist destination in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Yao Wang, executive director of the secretariat of the Boao Forum for Asia, said the conference, due to open on Nov.18, would be co-hosted by the Boao Forum for Asia, a renowned non-governmental, non-profit international organization based in Boao on the island province of Hainan, along with the China National Tourism Administration and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue based in Thailand.
The three-day event had attracted dignitaries and tourist professionals from Asia and beyond to discuss topics related to tourism development in Asia and international tourism cooperation, Yao said.
Guilin was not only known for its breathtaking landscape, but also for its experience in hosting major international activities, Yao said.
Guilin is famous for its green hills, beautiful waters, and distinctive karst caves.
According to local tourism authorities, Guilin attracted more than 10 million travelers and one million overseas visitors last year.
Roads and streets in Guilin have been decorated with 310,000 pots of flowers and posters for the forum. More than 300 students and residents volunteered to act as guides and assistants for guests and journalists.
The local government is preparing to welcome guests. "We've setup special prayer rooms for Muslims and the kitchens have invited imams to prepare food," said one hotel staff member.