With dragon dances, gala shows and sacrificial rites at Yandi Tomb, some 300 kilometres southeast of the provincial capital Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province kicked off the China Hunan Tourism Festival yesterday, its largest-ever tourist promotion program.

Yandi, a legendary ruler during ancient times, is known as one of China's ancestors. He is also worshiped as the god of agriculture and herbal medicine.

'The festival will definitely help us cultivate a mature tourism market, improve the quality of tourism-related services and enhance employment and consumption,' said He Tongtin, vice-governor of Hunan.

The programme, highlighting the province's more than 5,000 years of civilization, runs until the end of this year. Sponsored by the National Tourism Administration and its provincial counterpart, the event also includes a series of festivities, seminars and trade fairs.

As a major part of the festival, the first China Tourism Quality Commodities Exposition will be held today and Wednesday in Changsha to promote Hunan's tourism attractions and itineraries.

A balloon vendor from Henan Province surnamed Fan is optimistic the programme will breathe life into the tourism industry.

Brisk business

Fan said he had enjoyed brisk business these days thanks to the festival being held in this remote mountainous county.

He said he could sell up to 200 balloons each day at Yanling County's bustling central square, raking in more than 300 yuan (US$37.3) a day. 'Not bad for a small business like mine,' he said.

About 500 domestic and foreign tourism-related establishments have registered to attend the show. They include travel agencies, airlines, operators of amusement parks and holiday resorts, travelling goods and equipment manufacturers as well as souvenir producers.

More than 80,000 visitors are expected to attend the show holding 500 booths. 

2005/09/14
Source: China Daily