QINGDAO has set a target to become an international coastal tourist city and attract more than 65 million tourists from around the world in 2015. Total tourism revenue will reach 116 billion yuan in 2015, increasing by an average of at least 15 percent a year, according to a meeting on tourism held March 2.

    The city will enhance the tourism system during the next five years. By 2015, five to 10 holiday resorts and 15 to 20 hotels will be built. At least two yacht clubs will be opened.

    Construction and promotion of Laoshan Taoism cultural resources, Lingzhu Mountain Buddha Cultural Park and Fahai Temple will be speeded up in the next five years.

    More attractions would be developed in rural places. In 2015, there will be at least 100 tourist villages and more than 300 attractions in rural areas, aiming to attract more than 10 million visitors every year.

    To build one of the world’s best tourism cities, Qingdao plans to upgrade its infrastructure particularly public transport, car parks, restrooms, main tourist attractions and road signs. More air routes to European and American countries would be opened in five years.

    Qingdao will also promote itself on domestic markets, attracting more visitors from other parts of China. Incentives will be given to foreign tourists and Chinese tourists who visit Qingdao during off-peak seasons.

    Meanwhile, the city will gradually implement a series of regulations to standardize the tourism industry and build high-end tourism attractions. In 2015, there is expected to be at least two high-standard tourism spots, 80 national A-level tourism spots and 220 luxury hotels. (Wang Yuanyuan, Fu Jun)