A tourism expert proposed here on Monday that China should launch a
"Clean Tourism" campaign to strategically spruce up the image of
the tourism industry, as well as to enhance its competitiveness in
Asia.
Zhang Guangrui, director and research fellow of the Tourism
Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, made the
suggestion when speaking at a panel discussion at the two-day
International Cooperation for Tourism Development Under New
Paradigm conference at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition
Center.
Zhang also recommended the year 2004 be the Year of Clean Tourism
in Asia with the theme of promoting the clean environment,health
and ensuring safety of travel.
By
clean tourism he meant that all destinations, be it a country, a
region or an attraction, should offer honest, clean, hygienic,
healthy, decent and morally sound activities and services to
tourists.
"All business operators should offer 'clean products' with no harm
to the health of visitors and conduct their business in a fair and
decent way, with no cheating or traps," he explained.
"But all visitors should also be responsible for their behavior,and
the purpose of their travel and holidaying should be for the common
benefits of both the hosts and guests," he added.
Zhang said the campaign is needed, as in the eyes of many European
and American countries, the majority of the countries in Asia are
still classified as developing countries and are relatively poor
and backward.
"Owing to the economic and other reasons, on the whole the image of
the region is not desirable, limiting the region's tourism
development," he said.
He
stressed that after the outbreak of severe acute
respiratorysyndrome (SARS) in various parts in Asia, there is a
special need for Asian countries to cooperate in promoting the
region as a single tourism market for mutual benefits.
"Now after SARS, for the revitalization of tourism, the building of
a new image and long-term competitiveness, we are still 'on the
same boat.' And we still need to help each other even more," the
expert said.
(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2003)
