Tourism, cultural sectors booming in Shandong

Shandong's tourism and cultural sectors are booming, with new and improved market entities, as well as expanded industrial chains. The culture and tourism sectors, as well as related industries, have become an important part of the economic construction of Shandong, local officials said.

A news conference was held on Sept 23 by the Information Office of Shandong Provincial People's Government to introduce the province's achievements over the past 70 years, during which the culture and tourism sectors were highlighted.

The added value of the cultural industry in Shandong increased from 183.44 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) in 2013 to 312 billion yuan in 2017, accounting for 4.29 percent from 3.32 percent of the whole GDP, with an average annual growth rate of more than 15 percent, far higher than the GDP growth rate in the same period.

The province's tourism consumption doubled from 500 billion yuan in 2013 to 1 trillion yuan in 2018.

Currently, there are 5,323 internet cafes, 3,607 KTVs and other entertainment venues, as well as 1,401 art management units in the province. There are also 2,565 travel agencies, including 229 outbound ones.

The province is now home to 11 5A scenic spots, which are China's highest ranking for tourism areas, 222 4A scenic spots, and 1,048 tourist scenic spots below 3A level.

There are 34 five-star hotels, 151 four-star hotels, 391 three-star hotels, and 25 culture-themed hotels in Shandong. It has selected eight provincial-level five-star home stay facilities and 39 four-star ones.

The province has been emphasizing the development of the regional cultural sector and tourism industry, and fostering cultural and tourism consumption as new economic growth drivers.

Over the past 70 years, Shandong's cultural and tourism cooperation and exchanges with other countries have deepened.

At present, it has established cultural exchange relations with more than 150 countries and regions. On average, art troupes at the provincial and municipal level go abroad every year to hold more than 1,000 performances, art exhibitions, and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, making it one of the provinces with the most active cultural exchanges with foreign countries.

According to statistics, the province received 5.13 million inbound tourists in 2018, up 3.8 percent, generating revenue of $3.36 billion, up 6 percent year-on-year.