In Liaoning Province, traditionally an industrial base in northeast China, the emerging tourism industry has started to play a vital role in boosting the local economy.
In 2002, the province's tourism revenue climbed 14.9 percent year-on-year to 44.3 billion yuan (US$5.3 billion), contributing 8.1 percent to the local gross domestic product, show figures provided by the provincial tourism administration.
The rapid growth in tourism revenue, which has topped the national average, was attributed to the provincial government's efforts to boost tourism by promoting its attractions, food and products among domestic and overseas tourists.
Last year, the local government held a series of contests to select the province's top 10 cuisine, snacks and souvenirs. Making the list were dumplings, assorted Manchurian and Han dishes, dainty crystal articles made in the coastal city Dalian and pictures made of feathers.
By boosting the tourism industry, the province also fostered its food and beverage, manufacturing, commerce, hotel and entertainment industries, said Chen Tiexin, head of the provincial tourism administration.
By the end of last year, Liaoning had 11,000 hotels with 510,000 employees, including nine five-star and 31 four-star hotels.
Meanwhile, tourist attractions in the province had totaled 388,and 687 travel services had been opened, the fourth largest number nationwide.
(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2003)
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