Dazzling sunshine, gorgeous flowers and sweet ethnic melodies from Tianshan Mountains entertained not only the local Hui ethnic audience, but also guests and visitors from home and abroad, who attended the opening ceremony of the 5th China Xinjiang International Tourism Festival on June 26.

Nur Bekri, Chairman of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region announced at the ceremony that the festival will be a significant event to expand the region’s reputation in tourism.

Wang Zhifa, vice director of the State Tourism Bureau addressed a keynote speech on the ceremony. “As one of the most resourceful tourism destination, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is striding on a route to become the most important tourism resort of western China.” He also pledged on behalf of central government to provide continuous support to help the region achieve the goal.

The 2009 festival has attracted more than 200 foreign travel agencies from 22 countries and 250 agencies from 23 provinces in China, increasing 57.1% and 91.67% respectively.

(China Daily June 29, 2009)