From Jan to July this year, the number of entry-border tourists visiting Qingdao hit a record high. Among the tourists, nearly 70% were on the purpose of investigating the local investment climate.

The updated statistics show that, in 2002, 224,000 entry-border tourists have visited Qingdao to date, among which 193,600 are foreigners, representing a year-on-year increase of 24% and 29% respectively. The total income of the tourist industry reached $113 million, a 16% increase over that of the same period last year. Among the overseas travelers, 67% came to Qingdao for business tour, the other 20% were for sightseeing. The industrial insiders believe that the strong increasing tendency is attributed to the city's great efforts in promoting its tourists' resources, especially for the grand festivities such as the International Household Appliances Expo, the Ocean Festival and the Beer Festival.

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