With the aim to increase young people's interest in tourism of China's mainland, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Asia Tourism Exchange Center Ltd. launched here Monday the China Tourism Photography Exhibition.

Officiating at the Exhibition opening ceremony, Director of School of Hotel and Tourism Management of CUHK Lee Kam-hon said that, the globalization of tourism fosters the tourism industry in the Chinese mainland, which in turn helps set the stage for talents in the tourism field.

According to Lee, the globalization of tourism leads to a growing trend of visitors from foreign countries traveling to the Chinese mainland, more talents are therefore needed to help promote and preserve the tremendous natural and cultural resources of the Chinese mainland. And as a result, the whole tourism in China will be pushed ahead with.

He also said that Hong Kong provides a place for tourism students from Hong Kong and those from the Chinese mainland to exchange their knowledge and experiences which can help develop tourism of the Chinese mainland.

Assistant Director of Asia Tourism Exchange Center Ltd. Li Lei said that not only can the promotion of the Chinese mainland tourism industry help young people have a better understanding of the Chinese mainland in terms of life style and culture, it also provides a good chance to foster their sense of patriotism.

It is expected that activities of Chinese mainland tourism promotion will cover all universities in Hong Kong in around three to five years of time, he added.

The Asia Tourism Exchange Center Ltd. is an association in Hong Kong mainly responsible for researching the travel market in Hong Kong and Macao and promoting the tourism services of the Chinese mainland.

(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2004)