Xinjiang's tourism development promotes friendship and showcases China's progress
On Nov 25, forum participants visit Kashgar, Altay, Aksu and Urumqi in Xinjiang, to gain an in-depth understanding of the region's urban development plans, enterprise growth, and tourist attraction possibilities. [Photo/Yin Lu]
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum "Year of Tourism 2023", jointly organized by the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the SCO secretariat, opened in Urumqi on Nov 24. It brought together heads of tourism administrations, representatives of international organizations and tourism businessmen, and experts from SCO member states and other countries.
On Nov 25, forum participants were also invited to visit Kashgar, Altay, Aksu and Urumqi in Xinjiang, to gain an in-depth understanding of the region's urban development plans, enterprise growth, and tourist attraction possibilities.
"Ten years ago, I visited Urumqi, and this time, I noticed significant changes in the city's development. The infrastructure, trade logistics, cultural venues, and tourist attractions have undergone remarkable improvements, turning it into an impressive modern hub," said Jandos Asanov, deputy secretary general of the Economic Cooperation Organization.
Arab League's Acting Representative in China Ahmed Chouaib said he would recommend tourists from all countries to visit Xinjiang which boasts stunning natural landscapes and rich history and cultural heritage.
"This has been an unforgettable experience," said Mohsen Sharif, director general of the Iranian Tourism Market Bureau. He has visited China five times, but this was his first visit to Xinjiang. "The hospitality of the local people had impressed me a lot. Traveling is the best way to build friendships, as people do not need any media to get to know and understand each other."
The exchange between Iran and Xinjiang can be traced to the ancient Silk Road. Today, there are four direct flights between Urumqi and Tehran every week, greatly facilitating people-to-people exchanges, he added, hoping the two regions will further tap into the potential of tourism and develop the industry.
On Nov 25, forum participants visit Kashgar, Altay, Aksu and Urumqi in Xinjiang, to gain an in-depth understanding of the region's urban development plans, enterprise growth, and tourist attraction possibilities. [Photo/Xie Long]
With China's commitment to open up, and the construction of the Belt and Road, Xinjiang has built a pattern of comprehensive opening-up to the outside world as well.
As a forum participant from Pakistan said in an interview, "China's contribution to the world is well-known and Xinjiang's development is one of the best manifestations of China's progress. The emerging tourism industry and well-equipped tourism facilities have provided valuable experience for Pakistan's tourism industry."
On Nov 25, forum participants visit Kashgar, Altay, Aksu and Urumqi in Xinjiang, to gain an in-depth understanding of the region's urban development plans, enterprise growth, and tourist attraction possibilities. [Photo/Xie Long]
On Nov 25, forum participants visit Kashgar, Altay, Aksu and Urumqi in Xinjiang, to gain an in-depth understanding of the region's urban development plans, enterprise growth, and tourist attraction possibilities. [Photo/Zhou Peng]
On Nov 25, forum participants visit Kashgar, Altay, Aksu and Urumqi in Xinjiang, to gain an in-depth understanding of the region's urban development plans, enterprise growth, and tourist attraction possibilities. [Photo/Wang Xin]
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