|
CHINA> News
![]() |
|
Tourists flock to Shangri-La despite economic downturn
By Jia Jingqi and Li Yingqing (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-11 10:53 Tourism is often among the first sectors to feel the impact of an economic crisis as consumers keep a firm grip on their cash and wait for the storm to clear. Yet Diqing Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Yunnan, famed as the home of Shangri-La, hosted more than 2 million tourists that spent of 1.6 billion yuan in the first six months of 2009, an increase of 30 percent in visitor numbers and 20.17 percent in revenues compared to the same period last year.
"A precise and clear work plan was formulated," Chen said, which included burnishing the Shangri-La brand, developing three modes of tourism - sightseeing, leisure and vacations - and improving five major scenic spots. The campaigned focused on Shangri-La Pudacuo National Park, Meili Snow Mountain, the national park for black snub-nosed monkeys, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Balagezong Gorge. The local government played a leading role in the effort by raising money, introducing strategic partners and improving the level of tourism services. Improvements in infrastructure including highways, airports, hydropower stations, hotels and the telephone system were part of the effort. The government also worked with tourism enterprises to boost air travel to the area including promotions in Hong Kong and Hainan. Since Diqing largely depends on tourism, its overall economic and social development is closely tied to ecological protection. Local efforts include returning farmland to forest and grassland. But that doesn't mean Diqing shuns all industries. "What we need are green, hi-tech and environmentally friendly projects," Chen said. The efforts have resulted in maintaining and enhancing the legend of Shangri-la, with its towering snow-capped mountains, lush forests, vast gorges, idyllic lakes and compelling Tibetan culture. |
榕江县| 精河县| 临猗县| 翼城县| 马边| 兴文县| 秭归县| 鹤岗市| 天津市| 仁化县| 绥滨县| 子长县| 信宜市| 巴彦县| 琼结县| 义乌市| 兴海县| 厦门市| 镇安县| 蚌埠市| 贞丰县| 宁安市| 冕宁县| 丹东市| 惠东县| 博客| 商丘市| 大厂| 峡江县| 云龙县| 乌拉特后旗| 霍州市| 京山县| 夏河县| 黑山县| 随州市| 萨迦县| 旅游| 柳河县| 长汀县| 洛宁县|