[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Zhongguang, deputy head of China Tourism Academy, said in his speech that China's tourism industry is in an opportunity period, although challenges remain.

The national policy has led the industry to focus on the development of culture and technology and the boost of integration of culture and tourism. It's important to enhance travel experience of tourists and encourage creativity of the market, to compete with overseas neighboring counterparts.

Chen Gang, cofounder and CEO of Mafengwo, said the website will upgrade its online system and big data platform to help their travel agency partners reach potential customers and will develop innovative products to allow tourists tohave fun in different ways.

He said the demand of customized travel will continue to rise in 2019 and tourists will pay more attention to the added value of culture of a destination.

He said in the e-commerce era, good marketing and custom service count. For example, to present one's tour product with touching photos, and reply to tourists online in time.