(Yicai) Sept. 6 -- Shanghai has set out a series of new measures to promote the city’s tourism industry and support local services in the sector.

The measures take into account both domestic and overseas tourists, Zhong Xiaomin, director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, said at a press conference today.

Support will focus on businesses that welcome inbound tourists who stay in Shanghai for more than two nights, as well as those that host big international conferences and overseas tour groups. The city also aims to encourage visits via chartered flights and ships as well as special tourist trains.

Support will be given to tourism enterprises offering innovative products and themed domestic tours, as well as for promotional activities combining online tourism platforms with airlines, hotels, scenic spots, and sports events, Zhong added. He did not give further details.

The announcement comes just ahead of the 35th Shanghai Tourism Festival, which will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 6.

Shanghai’s tourism sector has been on an upward trajectory since last year. In the first half of this year, the city received more than 3 million inbound tourists, a more than 140 percent jump from a year ago. Local government departments and businesses have also been improving services for inbound travelers, including making it easier for foreigners to navigate services in the city.

This year’s Shanghai Tourism Festival will draw attention to other renowned tourist destinations in China, such as Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, in Anhui province.

The festival will also have input from leading overseas firms such as Disney and Lego, and the opening Grand Parade City Celebration will feature art troupes from 16 overseas countries and regions, including the United States, France and Italy. On the evening of Sept. 14, 25 floats and performance groups will appear on Nanjing Road as part of the parade.

Editor: Tom Litting