Residents of Guilin, a renowned scenic area in south China, are
proud of their breathtaking landscapes -- but fear for the future
as the tourism industry takes hold.
China's major tourist destination in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous
Region attracted a record 1 million overseas tourists and 10
million domestic visitors in 2001.
But local people are hoping that the Boao Forum for Asia Tourism
Conference, from November 18 to 20, will provide some initiatives
for a sustainable tourism industry and preserving the
environment.
"I
still remember the drifting bamboo boats in the Li River, where I
used to swim and enjoy happy times with my pals when I was a
teenager," said Liu Guanghua, a 42-year-old man.
"Nowadays few bamboo boats can be seen in the river and there is
not as much water as before," said Liu, standing by the river, now
full of shuttling tourist boats. "It is likely that our children
will not experience the joys we had."
Many others share Liu's worries.
Government officials, tourism experts and journalists from Asia
will gather here to discuss tourism cooperation and development
among Asian countries. The sustainable growth of the tourist
industry, among other topics, is drawing the attention of locals,
including Liu.
"I
hope the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia Tourism Conference will
answer my questions.
"Everyone is talking about the event," said Liu, who lives by the
Li River and takes a daily stroll there at dusk.
Tourism, however, has also brought prosperity to Guilin. Since the
city opened to foreigners in 1973, more and more Guilin people earn
their livings from tourism. The city earned US$209 million from the
tourist sector last year alone.
It
is a consensus among the people and the local authorities. To
protect the environment, the local government has closed about 40
factories to protect the Li River. The city is also planning to
build an electricity plant using garbage for power generation in
Xing'an county on the upper reaches of the river.
Liu Zhongying, an engineer with a printing factory, said she
supported moves for a cleaner environment even though it mean
losing her job. "The factory is closed, but I am almost sure I can
get a new job in the tourism sector," she said.
(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2002)