Tourism event to showcase city's achievements

Qinhuangdao, Hebei province, will showcase the charm of its coastal, rural and health-related tourism to domestic and foreign attendees at the Second Conference of Hebei Tourism Industrial Development between Sept 17 and 19, local officials said.

The annual event - mainly organized by the Hebei Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Hebei government - is designed to help the host city to increase global awareness, attract investment and support its tourism industry upgrade and transformation, according to the organizing committee.

Located in northern Hebei province, Qinhuangdao is known for its rich marine resources, mountains, large wetland areas and villages.

Wang Xiaodong, vice-governor of Hebei province, said that the event will help to promote Qinhuangdao's experience in developing tourism among other cities through observation and discussion, making healthcare a new tourism brand for Hebei.

About 1,000 representatives from the World Tourism Organization, governments, businesses and academics are expected to share their latest findings and exchange opinions during the three-day conference.

The theme for this year's conference will be "construction of a top-level international coastal health resort", according to the event organizers.

Hebei officials will host a promotional event to introduce the province's resources, development and opportunities on Sept 17.

The province's plans, goals and supportive measures for developing "all-for-one" tourism will also be outlined to all participants.

The concept of all-for-one tourism was mentioned by Premier Li Keqiang in the 2017 Government Work Report in March, to cater for the country's growing demand for tourism products and services, as well as to help to boost its economic transition.

On Sept 18, attendees will visit major tourism projects to see Qinhuangdao's achievements in promoting all-for-one tourism, as well as other forms of themed tourism that are expanding there.

The participants will watch maritime sports, including yachting, kayaking and sailing, while enjoying the local food and arts that will be displayed and sold.

Xu Qin, governor of Hebei, said the province has many opportunities available to it, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integrated development, construction of the Xiongan New Area and the 2020 Beijing-Zhangjiakou Winter Olympics.

(China Daily 09/15/2017 page15)