The 27th Guangzhou International Travel Fair kicked off at the China Import and Export Fair Complex on Feb 21, providing a great platform for many foreign companies to showcase products and tourism attractions from their home countries. 

The three-day event, featuring an exhibition area of 36,000 square meters, attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 55 countries. Their exhibits centered on tourism and culture products, as well as themed travel.

The 27th Guangzhou International Travel Fair begins on Feb 21 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. [Photo/ycwb.com]

This year, enterprises from Finland, Venezuela, Iran, Mongolia, Fiji, and other countries have participated for the first time. Sri Lanka, this year's guest country of honor, sent a delegation of more than 10 local tour operators, hotels, airlines, and other tourism companies led by the country's tourism promotion department.

The integration of culture and travel is a highlight of this year's fair. Cantonese Opera shows, the Guangdong music festival, and storytelling performances have attracted many people.

Rwanda promotes itself at the 27th Guangzhou International Travel Fair. [Photo/ycwb.com]

The promotional tourism conference on Taitung county in Taiwan has been particularly well-received among visitors as the county is full of beautiful scenery, has a small population, and has no industrial pollution.

"I suggest staying in Taitung for three days, visit the coast on the first day and the mountain on the second day, and use the third day to relax, breathe some fresh air, and meander through the county", said Rao Ching-ling, magistrate of Taitung county, who attended the tourism fair in Guangzhou.

Taitung is the third largest county in Taiwan and is located on the island's eastern coast. The county's top tourism attractions include Bashian Caves, Chu Lu Ranch, Dapo Pond, Dulan Mountain, East Coast National Scenic Area, East Rift Valley National Scenic Area, and Zhaori Hot Spring.

A distinctive Taitung county dance is performed at the 27th Guangzhou International Travel Fair. [Photo/ycwb.com]

According to Zeng Weidong, director of the Guangzhou Taiwan affairs office, the southern Chinese city will provide more business and cooperation opportunities with Taiwan and plans to roll out more policies to benefit Taiwanese compatriots.

Zeng hoped that through the Guangzhou International Travel Fair, citizens of Guangzhou and the Chinese mainland would gain a better understanding of Taitung and travel to the county more often, boosting people-to-people exchanges.