Tourism earns Dalian 73.15b yuan in first half

A total of 45.96 million tourists visited Dalian, Liaoning province during the first half of 2018, earning the city 73.15 billion yuan ($ 10.72 billion) in tourism revenues.

The figures represent a year-on-year rise of 10.69 percent in the number of visitors and a 12.89 percent increase in tourism revenues, according to Dalian Tourism Development Committee.

Leisure activities and rural pursuits make up the main elements of Dalian’s tourist attractions, with visitors particularly keen on camping, fishing and flying. 

In addition, the city has been trying to attract cruise tourists, with 12 cruises having departed Dalian by the end of June, with three boats also arriving in the city’s port. Two luxury liners also visited the city for the first time.

Further boosting visitor numbers, 20 festivals were held in the city during the first half of the year, including the Dalian (Anbo) International Hot Spring Skiing Festival, Zhuanghe Strawberry Festival and Lushunkou Cherry Festival. The Dalian Flos Sophorae Party, which was held from May 26 to 31, drew 24,500 overseas tourists and 1.85 million domestic visitors.