Representatives attending the West China International Tourism Development Forum vowed to join hands in promoting regional tourism.
  
With 71 percent of China's land space and a population of around 400 million, China's western region is cited as the origin place of the Chinese nation. It has been prestigious as the world's natural and historical museum for its amazing scenery and unique culture.
  
Since China implemented the strategy of developing the west, its tourism has been developing rapidly. Last year, overall tourism revenue reached 166 billion yuan (US$20 billion) in the west, one third of that of the entire nation.
  
The 12 western administration areas, including provinces, autonomous regions and one municipality, have different tourism resources. Increasing regional tourism cooperation is a strong trend, which can help sharpen tourism's competitive edge, promote exchanges with the east and catch up with the international tourism market, said Liu Peng, deputy secretary of Sichuan provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China.
  
Tourism cooperation is a global trend, based on economic cooperation and can also lead the economic development, said Wang Xingbin, a professor of Chinese Tourism Institute.
  
Tourism cooperation already occurs in some western regions. In May, Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet reached a consensus on building the Shangri-la tourism zone. Tibet, Qinghai and Dunhuang announced cooperation to establish China's Tibetan plateau image.
  
Liu suggested the western region increase tourism exchanges and discussions, create a more open and healthy tourism environment and join hands in promoting attractive routes. 
  
Meanwhile, Wang suggested developing tourism cooperation circles linking future western metropolises together. He also encouraged travel agencies, scenic resorts and hotels to participate in regional tourism cooperation. He hoped Yunnan and Guangxi to join in Southeast Asian tourism cooperation circle, and five northwestern provinces to take part in middle-Asian tourism cooperation circle focusing on the Silk Road.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2004)