Xinjiang offers cash to revive slumping tourism industry

Chen Jianjun, who heads a recreational driving club, has noticed a drop in tourists over the past two months.

"During this period last year, I organized a group with 40 off-road vehicles. This month, I only had a team of 20 vehicles," the 43-year-old said.

In addition to the 500-yuan subsidy for each tourist, the region, as a key site along the Silk Road, has begun to tap into its Silk Road heritage to generate more tourism resources.

Since the beginning of the year, the region has been working toward listing Kazakhstan and seven other neighboring countries as tour destinations.

"We hope to offer international itineraries for inland tourists when they come to Xinjiang," Inam Naiserdin said.

About 1,000 tour guides from more than 100 travel agencies in Xinjiang have joined with tourism agencies in inland provinces to promote the region.

"The management of scenic spots and hotels in the region is sound," Inam Naiserdin said. "We welcome all tourists to Xinjiang to see for themselves that travel here is safe."

The government is also encouraging Xinjiang natives to tour their home province.

"This will not only promote tourism in the slow season, but also improve the level of service in the industry," Ma said.