NANNING, China (PIA) — Officials of Tuguegarao City government have expressed their desire to partner with Nanning Administration for Culture, Broadcast and Tourism for possible tourism industry development partnerships.

In a bilateral meeting coordinated by the Department of Tourism Region 2, Lin Huichao, Nanning's Administration head, discussed how the city was able to transform its potentials into promising tourism destinations for both domestic and international tourists.

"Nanning City is known as the 'Green City of China' and a paradise for the world's folk songs," Huichao said.

She also shared that the city has been a recipient of numerous awards such as the UN Habitat Scroll of Honor Award, National Culturally Advanced City, National Ecological Garden City, Nationally Recognized Clean City, and National Forest City.

"It is the only city that has been awarded as 'Beautiful Mountain and Water City' for three consecutive years," she added.

Located in a sub-tropical zone, Nanning is blessed with green plants and blossoming flowers all year round, abundant fruit varieties and crystal clear water.

The city is rich in cultural and tourism resources with 592 immovable relics, 42 tourism attractions, and six folk culture and arts townships.

Tuguegarao City Councilor Arnel T. Arugay, who represented Mayor Maila Ting-Que, said the tourism industry of Nanning City is undoubtedly one of the major economic drivers of the city.

He said the City of Tuguegarao may replicate the strategies adopted and implemented by Nanning in developing its tourism industry, especially in ensuring balance between cultural preservation, infrastructure development and environmental protection.

He also presented Tuguegarao City's culture and tourism programs with Nanning's officials and the key development and investment priority areas within Mayor Ting-Que's administration.

On the other hand, officials from the academic institutions also took the opportunity to seek the assistance of the said office for possible collaboration along research and development especially on culture, broadcast and tourism programs. (BME/OTB/PIA Region 2)