More tourism aid planned to help region create new hub

China has pledged to develop the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region as the Silk Road's main tour dispatch hub by 2020 through a national tourism financial aid package.

The aid, initiated by the China National Tourism Administration, includes a 350 million yuan ($56 million) tourism development fund for toilet construction, projects, personnel training and souvenir development, as well as international travel fairs and marketing.

The tourism industry of Xinjiang still faces disadvantages but has great potential, especially the southern part of the region, said Li Jinzao, the director of administration.