Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

An inauguration ceremony was held for the Tourism Federation of Cities in the Guangdong, Hong Kong & Macao Bay Area during the 2017 Guangdong International Tourism & Culture Festival in Zhuhai from Dec 12 to 14.

The first such group to promote tourism integration in that area will combine the efforts of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, and the Hong Kong and Macao.

Committing themselves to creating a world-class tourist destination, the members will focus on integrating resources, market sharing and joint branding.

Chen Wenjie, president of the tourism research institute of China National Travel Service Group Corporation, pointed out the urgent need to upgrade the Greater Bay Area's travel products, business environment, service and the ability to attract investment – the key to making the industry bigger and better.

Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, under this context, should cultivate an array of enterprises capable of leading the industry as well as support small businesses having special market appeal, Chen said.

"Zhuhai Welcomes You" is projected on the exterior of Zhuhai Opera House to celebrate the 2017 Guangdong International Tourism & Culture Festival. [Photo by Zhu Xi / Zhuhai Daily]

Also underlined was the significance of practical cooperation which should be based on complementary resources. Redundant low-level construction should be avoided, Chen added.

Li Chuangxin from the Institute of International Tourism Development of the China Tourism Academy proposed the area should connect to the Belt & Road Initiative while utilizing its favorable location advantages such as abundant port resources.

Speaking at the seminar, Li discussed improving customs reforms and expanding the visa application range. Higher-level openness will attract more tourists in as well as send more out, Li said, and by that time, the Greater Bay Area will strategically support cooperation in tourism for countries and regions along the Belt & Road.