Beijing launches activities in Latin America to promote tourism

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Beijing launched a series of activities Wednesday to introduce its tourism resources and culture in its latest promotional campaign in several cities in Latin America.

The events, including a conference themed "Glamorous Beijing", were held by the Beijing Commission of Tourism Development (BCTD) at Windsor Atlantica Hotel, introducing the city of Beijing, its main places of attraction, tourism infrastructure, and several types of specialty tours.

In addition to the conference, a photo expo on "Glamorous Beijing", was also inaugurated in the Rio Sul mall.

Song Yu, the BCTD's director and and secretary-general of the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), said Brazil is an important source of tourists to China, while noting this year marks the 30th anniversary of a sister city tie between Rio De Janeiro and Beijing.

Song stressed that Rio will host the Summer Olympics this year, which is a good chance for Brazil and China to increase cooperation in the tourism sector.

Yu also said that, though Latin America is currently not a leading source of tourists to China, it is regarded as a region with great potential.

According to the promotional event, Beijing has already taken steps to attract tourists, such as reimbursements of local taxes for foreign tourists and preferential policies in favor of international tourism agencies.

The Beijing City's days-long tourism promotion activities in several Latin American cities starting in Brazil will also be taken to La Paz, Bolivia, and Montevideo, capital of Uruguay.