Bureaus Exclusive

New 5A tourist resort expected in Fujian

By Hu Meidong and Wei Tian (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-01-18 19:33

Baishuiyang and Yuanyangxi in the Ningde World Geopark will be listed as 5A tourist resorts, which is the highest honor for a site spot in China, said Wu Rongyi, representative of the Fujian People's Congress.

The Ningde Geopark in Pingnan, Fujian province consists of Baishuiyang, Yuanyangxi, Taimushan anf Baiyunshan.

The park was selected in the Global Geoparks Network by UNESCO in Oct 2010. Since then, Pingnan County has been utilizing its resources in tourist industry, aiming at building a globally famous travelling destination.

The contribution of service sector in the total GDP, in which tourism industry plays a dominating part, has increased from 8.1% in 2005 to 52.4% in 2009.

After the place was named 4A resort in 2009, the local government has invested 360 million yuan ($56 million) in upgrading the infrastructure. To raise its brand recognition in the market has also taken into consideration, with winning a name of 5A as the first step.

The proposal has been submitted to the provincial tourism bureau and the national judging panel, and it is expected to be put onto the waiting list this year, said Wu Rongyi.