Forum urges social responsibility in the integration of culture and tourism

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Over 500 tourism corporation representatives, experts and government officials recently gathered in Beijing for a forum to discuss tourism companies' social responsibility in the integration of culture and tourism.

It was co-hosted by China Tourism Academy and China Tourism Association.

Keynote speakers exchanged views with each other, looked at previous achievements in the tourism industry since China's reform and opening-up in 1978, as well as looking forward to the future.

Official data shows that, until the end of 2017, China boasted about 27,900 travel agencies, more than 30,000 scenic areas, and 457,800 accommodation service providers.

Last year, overseas tourist visits to China reached 139 million, representing an increase of 0.8 percent over 2016, while 5 billion domestic tourists enjoyed the nation's attractions.

China Tourism Academy's head Dai Bin delivers a speech at the forum. /China Daily Photo

Luo Shugang, minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, said in his speech that over the past four decades, China has experienced great development of its tourism, which plays a more and more important role in the economic development of society.

He said the tourism industry has become a road to prosperity for farmers and helps rejuvenate the economy in rural areas.

China Tourism Academy's head, Dai Bin, said it's essential to boost the innovation of academic theories and research about tourism, and train more talents for the industry. A supervisory mechanism is also needed to ensure tourists' rights and enhance their travel experience.

(Cover: China Tourism Academy and China Tourism Association recently co-hosted a forum in Beijing to discuss tourism companies' social responsibility in the integration of culture and tourism. /China Daily Photo)

Source(s): China Daily