Beijing to involve public to boost tourism

Beijing – They're not TV or photo reporters, but they carry a camera or video recorder wherever they go. They make digital videos and pictures and share them online; much of their work looks at issues of importance to society and breaking news on the street.

They are called paike.

And tourism officials now think their work, besides providing information to the public, can be helpful in attracting travelers.

To take advantage of that possibility, the Beijing's Tourism Development Committee started a scenery Paike program at the Temple of Ancient Monarchs on Tuesday, which is World Tourism Day. Its goal is to encourage the public to record and share images of the capital that convey the folk culture of the ancient city and its history of more than 3,000 years.

Organized by the Beijing Tourism Development Committee, China Beijing TV Station and Beijing Youth Daily, the program is an attempt to attract more tourists to the capital.

Those whose works get chosen by a jury panel consisting of professors, directors and managers of video websites will be given various prizes, including a trip to Europe and electronic products.

"You can get paid by taking pictures with your camera, so why not?" said Xian Yongjing, an employee with the Hunan radio and television station, who is a paike himself.

"And more people will get a chance to know about the ancient city through your lens," he added.

According to the committee, the capital welcomed 180 hundred million visitors in 2010. On those trips, each of them is believed to have spent about 2,000 yuan ($313).

"The tourism industry itself is healthy and environmental," said Wang Yue, deputy chief of the Beijing Tourism Development Committee.

"With the public getting more involved with taking pictures and videos of the city, tourism in the capital will be greatly improved."

Source: chinadaily.com.cn   2011-09-29