New media to play major role in promoting holistic tourism

Kang Bing, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, delivers a keynote speech during the Holistic Tourism and Media Integration Summit held in Boao, Hainan province, March 26, 2016. [Photo by Zou Hong / chinadaily.com.cn]

Emerging technologies and media platforms could add up to communication tools to promote holistic tourism by telling Chinese stories to the world, said Kang Bing, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, on Saturday.

A communication platform needs to be built up by integrating traditional and new media, and deepening cooperation between local and mainstream media, said Kang in a keynote speech during the Holistic Tourism and Media Integration Summit in Boao, Hainan province.

The event was held a day after the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference that ran from March 22 to 25.

"It is our duty as journalists to show the world how charming Hainan is and to tell stories concerning holistic tourism in China, especially in Hainan, via different channels," he said.

"We have more powerful communication tools and ammunition nowadays as new technologies and new media platforms emerge," he added.

Kang noted that Hainan should and is able to blaze a unique trail to develop holistic tourism by tapping its rich natural and cultural resources. "With Hainan becoming a demonstration province for holistic tourism, its tourism infrastructure and service quality will also improve."

Holistic tourism has been gaining momentum in the world as more and more travelers try to search for activities and programs that bring balance in the body, mind and spirit to their lives.