Liaoning stimulates its tourism market

Northeast China’s Liaoning province has adopted a raft of measures designed to stimulate its tourism industry, which was seriously affected by the novel coronavirus epidemic in the first quarter of the current year, according to local reports.

Officials said that Liaoning saw some key tourism projects start construction recently, which will help increase confidence in its tourism sector.

In addition to rolling out supportive policies, initiating measures to improve the business environment and supporting work resumption of the tourism sector, the province also took steps to help tackle the financial difficulties being experienced by cultural and tourism companies.

Officials said that to date, the province has refunded 250 million yuan ($35.31 million) in deposits for 1,027 travel agencies, issued 17.8 million loans for 16 key projects and offered financial support of 47.95 million yuan for 68 winter tourism companies and travel agencies.

Shenyang, as capital of Liaoning province and a tourism reform pilot area, launched 138 improvement projects in transportation, travel services, tourism management, smart tourism, digital travel and other areas -- as well as promoted a comprehensive upgrade of scenic spots, star-rated hotels and travel agencies.

The city also launched online reading and museum visiting activities, to promote development of digital tourism.

Officials said that the province is promoting the transformation of infrastructure and improving the development environment of the tourism sector, so as to enable the tourism economy to bounce back soon.