A cultural and tourism products promotion event between Shandong and Japan was held on Oct 28 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province via online and offline channels.

[Video/WeChat account: sdswltwx]

The promotion was part of the "2021 Dialogue with Shandong – Japan · Shandong Industrial Cooperation and Exchange" event, which had sub venues in Tokyo, Kyoto, Wakayama, Miyazaki, Oita and other places in Japan.

More than 90 guests, including government officials, representatives from culture and tourism enterprises, as well as journalists, attended the event.

A promotional video of Shandong's culture and tourism was presented at the event, showing Shandong's long history, rich culture and unique natural resources.

Wang Lei, director of Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, delivers a speech at the event. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswltwx]

Wang Lei, director of Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said that Shandong and Japan are separated by "only a strip of water" and have frequent cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation.

Since 2020, Shandong has organized a series of cultural activates to deepen cultural exchange between the two sides. Shandong's Jinan and Japan's Oita were also conferred the title of Culture City of East Asia, which has further strengthened mutual cooperation, added Wang.

Wang expressed hope that the two sides will continue to follow the principle of "mutual benefit and win-win cooperation", enhance the level of cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation, and work together to promote the high-quality development of the cultural tourism industry for the benefit of people from both places.

A cultural and tourism products promotion event between Shandong and Japan is held on Oct 28 in Jinan, Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswltwx]

Igawahara Masaru, consul-general of the Japanese consulate in Qingdao, said that the tourism industry has had a great impact on the economy and that the Japanese government has been providing support to boost the industry.

Shandong is the hometown of Confucius and the cradle of Confucianism. It is also home to Mount Tai and famous springs. Shandong is a particularly popular destination for Japanese travelers and businessmen, according to Igawahara.

He hopes that the conference will further bolster exchanges between the two countries and deepen relationships.

Shandong Art Museum, Shandong Museum and Shandong Overseas International Travel Service signed contracts with Japan's cultural and tourism units and enterprise to boost cultural tourism exchanges during the event.

Shandong's study tour resources and cultural and creative products are highlighted at the event. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswltwx]