REGIONAL> Culture Tourism
Fujian tourism industry expands
By Hu Meidong and Liu Xintian (China Daily Fujian Bureau)
Updated: 2009-07-16 17:48

The total revenue of Fujian province's tourism industry increased by 7 percent compared to the same period last year, amid the decline of China's tourism market.

The total revenue of the first two quarters of fiscal 2009 Fujian tourism industry generated was around 52.8 billion yuan.

The head of the Fujian Tourism Bureau said there are many reasons for Fujian tourism industry's growth.

Since mid-2008 Fujian Province has invested in the three dimensional transport network launching a direct charter flight and "three small direct links" between Fujian and Taiwan, he said.

The reward policy for travelling to Taiwan by the "three small direct links" was put forward to boost the cross-strait tourism.

Xiamen has been also focusing this year on developing its cruise liner industry entering the European and American markets.

Many liners have been successfully launched including "Europa" and "Legend of the seas" serving 10 times more tourists compared to the same period last year.