East China's Shandong province hosted a series of activities online and offline to celebrate the 12th China Tourism Day, which fell on May 19 this year.

Authorities from the provincial culture and tourism department said that a total of 504 themed events will be held this month, and consumption coupons will be issued at the same time, in a bid to stimulate the province's culture and tourism sector, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wang Lei, head of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said that the tourism sector plays a driving force in stabilizing economic growth and expanding consumer demand. Shandong will focus on the integrated development of culture and tourism, and promote the innovative development of the tourism sector.

Efforts will also be made to launch more products related to short-distance trips, and online experience activities. According to Wang, the local government will make tremendous efforts to find new ways to enliven the local tourism industry and spread the influence of the "Friendly Shandong" tourism brand.

Tourism sites across Shandong have launched a slew of promotional activities, and they also offered discounted or free tickets to attract local tourists.

To encourage consumption in the culture and tourism sectors, Jinan city in Shandong will begin a consumption season and issue 25 million yuan ($3.76 million) in coupons. Scenic spot tickets, homestays, cinemas, books, and cultural and creative products are among items covered by the coupons.

Visitors from Yantai, Qingdao, Weihai, Weifang, and Rizhao are eligible for free tickets to State-owned scenic spots in Yantai's Penglai area until July 1.

East China's Shandong province hosts a series of activities online and offline on May 19 to celebrate the 12th China Tourism Day. [Photo/Dazhong News]