Over 200 experts attend tourism forum

More than 200 experts from around the world attended a forum in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on April 27 to discuss tourism development in the region.

The forum, focusing on the tourism sector in northern China, was the largest tourism forum to ever be held in Inner Mongolia.

Attendees from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Minzu University of China, and Beijing International Studies University discussed things like the integration of culture and tourism, winter tourism, innovation among travel companies, and changes in the tourism sector.

Li Yanqin, a professor at Minzu University of China, said at the event that the tourism sector is an important engine for development in northern China.

"Inner Mongolia in North China has a diverse ecology and distinct folk customs and legends, making it attractive to tourists," said Li.

The Association of Tourism of Inner Mongolia was unveiled at the forum.

Zhen Futian, vice chairman of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, noted at the event that the association will work to promote the integration of tourism research and innovation in tourism products, as well as communication among employees in the tourism sector.