With the theme "tourism promotes peace and dialogue in civilized society," the celebration activities of World Tourism Day was celebrated in Ningbo Thursday.

Approved by the World Tourism Organization in 1979, World Tourism Day is a festival for global tourism workers as well as tourists.

"China has always tried to stimulate the role that tourism has played in the economic, education and diplomatic fields. Chinese tourism employees contribute to quality service and worldwide friendship. Through the development of tourism, foreigners will know about the beautiful scenery, marvelous culture, and the rapid progress in the nation," said Sun Gang, vice director of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

Experts said that the first World Tourism Day in the 21st century will strengthen the cooperation and exchanges between China and the World.

World Tourism Day is sponsored by CNTA and the local government of Ningbo.

(People's Daily 09/28/2001)