Qingdao solidifies position as global tourist hub

The coastal city of Qingdao in East Chinas Shandong province, known for its rich cultural and tourism resources that blend coastal charm with historical allure, has seen an increase in international tourists amid the recent "China Travel" trend.

From January to April this year, Qingdao received 164,500 inbound foreign tourists, a 38.7 percent year-on-year increase, according to official statistics. During the May Day holiday, 9,400 inbound foreign tourists visited Qingdao, marking an 80.77 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Of these visitors, 105,600 were from South Korea, accounting for 64 percent of the total inbound tourist volume, with a 44.86 percent year-on-year increase.

Qingdao is currently focusing on the high-quality development of inbound tourism, which is crucial for the city to accelerate its construction as an international coastal tourism destination and serves as an important vehicle for the citys high-level opening-up.

The citys action plan to boost inbound tourism, released on May 14, outlines 61 tasks aimed at enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of inbound tourism.

For example, leveraging the marine industry, Qingdao plans to launch international study tour products targeting Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries, and Chinas Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions.

Additionally, the city will integrate inbound tourism with rural tourism, sports tourism, health tourism, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and other areas to create a series of boutique rural tourism destinations suitable for international visitors.

Source:Chinadaily.com.cn