City strives for growth in tourism, cultural offerings

The historic city of Xi’an will promote the integrated development of culture and tourism this year, so as to further expand its cultural influence in the world.

Positioned as a world-class tourism and fashion city, Xi’an will accelerate the development of its tourism industry, according to the city’s 2019 government work report.

The city will build a modern tourism service system, speed up the construction of high-quality hotels and implement a three-year action plan for the development of high-quality bed-and-breakfast businesses, also known as minsu, the report said.

In addition, it will accelerate the construction and management of key projects and 5A-level (top level) scenic spots in the city. During 2019, it expects to welcome 300 million domestic and foreign tourists, who could generate total tourism revenue exceeding 300 billion yuan ($44.8 billion).

Also positioned as a world-class culture city, Xi’an also looks for new development modes that combine the internet, culture and foreign trade. In addition to the activities, such as Silk Road International Arts Festival, the 8th Xi’an Drama Festival, Culture City of East Asia, and the City of Tang Poetry, the city will launch a batch of cultural and arts works with international influence, the report said.

Also on the city’s agenda: Promoting the construction of a public cultural service system, introducing cultural operation enterprises and industry projects, building cultural exchange bases, strengthening the protection, development and utilization of historical and cultural sites and developing the intangible cultural heritage economy.

Comprehensive bookstores with new functions, large and mediumsized performing arts venues, musicthemed communities, music-featured towns and community music corners will be established. The city will encourage the development of private museums and various digital and intelligent museums, it said.

The city will also vigorously develop the convention and exhibition economy, and bid to host the country’s key diplomatic and international conferences. Already, more than 260 conventions and exhibitions above designated scale will be held this year, the report said.

The city will also bid for the hosting of national and international high-level sports events, in addition to hosting the 2019 Xi’an International Marathon and preparing for the 14th National Games in 2021.

According to the report, the city will vigorously develop cultural and creative industries and promote the integration of exhibitions, conferences, industries and industrial parks. A number of creative communities, entrepreneurship spaces, cultural and creative parks and small towns will be established, and a number of international cultural and creative enterprises and brands will be cultivated.