Tourism Industry: More than economy

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As part of the Asian Civilization Week, some 20 countries and organizations are participating in the culture and tourism exhibition. Exhibitors include officials, travel agencies and companies from cultural and creative industries all wishing to attract customers.

Among the display areas, Sri Lanka's has attracted much attention. Visitors are attracted by the country's abundant tourism resources, from historical heritage to natural gifts of mountains and oceans.

“Within one week, tourists can enjoy the experience from sea to mountain, from cloud to heaven,” said Cong Yizhe, the representative of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. “Besides, Sri Lankans are really sweet and nice.”

The Easter terrorist attack was a heavy blow to the country. Yet its people stand strong. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations on May 15, mentioning that people in his country “are still in fear and horror and especially in uncertainty.” However, he firmly believes that Sri Lankans will join hands to meet this challenge.

Luang Prabang, literally meaning “Royal Buddha Image,” is a city in north central Laos, consisting of 58 adjacent villages, of which 33 comprise the UNESCO Town of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site. / VCG Photo

In the afternoon of May 15, six parallel forums of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations were held, among which one was themed “Culture, Tourism and People-to-people Exchanges.” Attendees agreed that tourism was not only about the economy but will eventually contribute to people-to-people exchange.

“In the past, when people traveled to other countries, they cared more about whether they had a cozy place to stay or fine food, but now the first question they are asked when they returned is usually, ‘What are the people like there?'” said Khalifi Hossein, representative of the Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization in China.

Laotian Director General of Tourism Marketing Department also introduced the UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang.

“A very special part of Laos is Luang Prabang. It's been on the list by Wanderlust of top tourism destinations for eight consistent years.”