Tianjin Prepares for Holiday Tourism Tide

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 ◆ Tianjin Prepares for Holiday Tourism Tide

Tianjin, the largest port city in northern China, pledged to provide high-quality services to tourists at scenic resorts in the upcoming National Day holiday, which begins October 1. A travel route list, published by a local government office in charge of tourism affairs, includes over 100 tours covering almost all of the scenic spots and sites of historical interest in the city. Government tourism administrations will supervise management and service of travel agencies to protect travelers' interests, said local government officials. According to a five-year development blueprint, overseas tourists coming to Tianjin will exceed 600,000 annually by 2005, bringing in 420 million U.S. dollars in foreign tourism receipts. The number of domestic visitors are expected to reach 47 million and the tourism income gained from the sector will be 57 billion yuan annually. Tianjin has about 50 scenic spots and sites of historical interest. It was rated an "outstanding tourist city" by the National Tourism Administration in 1999.