Zhanjiang helps Liuzhou alleviate poverty through tourism

Zhanjiang will step up efforts to help Liuzhou alleviate poverty through tourism development, according to a promotional conference held on March 28. [Photo/Liuzhou Tourism Development Commission]

Zhanjiang will step up its efforts to help Liuzhou in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, to alleviate poverty through tourism development, according to a promotional conference held in Liuzhou on March 28.

This came as a response to the Outline for Action Plan on Anti-poverty Cooperation between Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), which paired up Zhanjiang and Liuzhou as sister cities.

Although known as an industrial powerhouse, Liuzhou has long been haunted by poverty. It not only has 328,700 impoverished residents, but also possesses two national-level poverty-stricken counties.

The Zhanjiang Tourism Bureau has recently organized a delegation of local travel agencies to visit Liuzhou. The goal was to understand the city better and analyze how Liuzhou could develop travel routes and tourism products based on its own unique characteristics.

The general introduction of Liuzhou is made by a tourism representative during the promotional conference. [Photo/Liuzhou Tourism Development Commission]

Before the field trip, a general introduction of Liuzhou was made at the promotional conference. In addition to its rolling hills, caves and karst scenery, Liuzhou is famous for being a cultural melting pot, as it is home to more than 30 ethnic groups.

According to Huang Yong, deputy director of the bureau, Zhanjiang and Liuzhou are distinctive due to their unique characteristics and can supplement each other in terms of tourism. It is expected that the two cities will strengthen their cooperation and share resources to realize mutual success.

Up next, Liuzhou scenic spots will offer discounted tickets to tourists from Zhanjiang, while local tourism industry employees will be sent to universities in Guangdong for training and studying. Zhanjiang will also give financial support to Liuzhou impoverished villages for tourism development.