Xinjiang prepares to surge forward in tourism

Updated: 2014-08-17 18:49

By Liao Wei(chinadaily.com.cn)

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"We have 400,000 tourism practitioners in Xinjiang," said Li Jidong, secretary of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region's tourism bureau. "We want every puzzle piece to come together to form a perfect image. Whether they be communicators, builders or maintainers, we are doing everything possible to promote tourism and revitalize the industry."

Li made this statement at a Xinjiang tourism seminar attended by experts, cultural celebrities, business representatives and managers from popular tourist spots on August 11.

The seminar's sole objective was to brainstorm ways to overcome clots in Xinjiang's current situation.

Tourism fell for the first time in 20 years, receiving a total of 619,300 overseas tourists and 20.14 million domestic ones. This is a decrease of 0.82 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively.

Xinjiang prepares to surge forward in tourism

Lavender flowers are in full boom in Huocheng county of Ili, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

"We're going to take initiative this year," said a representative from Changji Tourism. “We'll work calmly, cooperate with one another, and look for opportunities in a crisis. We'll use the Silk Road as a sturdy anchor and steadily increase both tourist numbers and revenue.”

Many of the ideas circulated around this idea, including cooperation with the economic systems of other Silk Road countries. There was also talk of expanding the southern Silk Road into a re-energized, more easily accessible tour site, as well as actively promoting cross-border tourism, raising service standards, strengthening supervision and creating a better environment were some of the other items on the agenda.

"Tourism is a barometer of Xinjiang's economic and social development," said Li. "It most directly reflects the harmony and stability of the province, and now, at this critical period, we must act together. This is everyone's responsibility and everyone's opportunity."

 

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