[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Tourism offers a chance for countries and regions to communicate with and understand each other, said Zhang Yantong, an official from the advisory office of the State Council, adding that it also boosts multilateral economic cooperation and culture exchanges.

Wei Xiao'an, secretary-general of the China Tourism Leisure Association, said that China should improve its tourism products and infrastructure, and bring its tourism market into the line with the European tourism standards.

The hosting city Ningbo was a key point on the maritime Silk Road, and local officials have set sights on the potential for modern tourism.