Shanghai reports increased tourist arrivals

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 ◆ Shanghai reports increased tourist arrivals

Despite the sluggish international tourism market in the wake of the September 11terror attacks,Shanghai received two million international tourists in 2001,11percent more than in 2000.

The municipal tourism bureau director Yao Mingbao said that the total tourism revenue in 2001amounted to 94billion yuan (US$11billion),including US$1.8billion contributed by international arrivals.

Yao attributed the record to Shanghai's thriving economy.The city has seen its GDP growing at an annual rate of 10percent since 1990s.

In addition,he said that social stability is another reason to attract more visitors here.The success of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)informal leadership meeting held here in October has boosted tourists'confidence in Shanghai,he said.(eastdasy.com)