Chongqing Makes Tourism Pillar IndustryThe government of Chongqing Municipality, southwest China, has decided to make tourism a pillar industry in the coming ten years.In line with the city's long-term development program issued recently, Chongqing's income from tourism industry will reach 50.2 billion yuan by 2010, or 14 percent of the city's gross domestic product (GDP). Chongqing boasts of rich tourism resources, including the well- known Three Gorges, Dazu Stone Sculpture, Baidi Town and other scenic spots and historical sites. In 1999, the city received 24.76 million domestic tourists. Income from tourism industry amounted to 10.83 billion yuan, accounting for 6.74 percent of the city's GDP. Chongqing now has 192 travel agencies and 131 hotels and restaurants authorized to receive foreigners. Some 80,000 people are working directly in the tourism sector. Chongqing tourism departments have adopted measures to expand market in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia, North America and Europe. Meanwhile, efforts have been made to improve transportation and other infrastructure facilities to attract tourists. |
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