Xi Jinping Calls for Continued Promotion of Ice and Snow Sports
In a recent speech at the summary and commendation meeting of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of promoting the popularization and development of ice and snow sports. He urged for strategic planning and layout, as well as the construction and utilization of ice and snow venues and facilities to further develop the ice and snow industry.
President Xi highlighted the growing enthusiasm for ice and snow sports amongst Chinese residents, with significant increases in consumption expenditure and participation in ice and snow tourism and sports. Data shows that the ice and snow industry has become a new economic growth point, with substantial investment and revenue.
The president’s remarks come at a time when the ice and snow season is in full swing in northern China, with regions capitalizing on their abundant ice and snow resources to attract tourists. Innovative integration of the ice and snow landscape with local culture and sports has led to a surge in cultural tourism consumption during the winter season.
President Xi’s call for the continued development of the ice and snow industry aligns with the economic potential of this sector, as it is predicted that the number of ice and snow leisure tourists in China is expected to reach 520 million by 2025, with significant income from ice and snow leisure tourism.
The message is clear – the “cold economy” of the ice and snow industry is releasing “hot kinetic energy,” and localities are encouraged to capitalize on this by integrating ice and snow resources with tourism, culture, and leisure industries.
The speech has been interpreted by commentator Liu Yidi as a call for all localities to learn from the success of ice and snow tourism in Harbin, innovate on their local resources, and sustain the enthusiasm for ice and snow sports and culture.
President Xi’s focus on the importance of the ice and snow industry comes as a testament to the growing economic potential of this sector, and may serve as a catalyst for further development and investment in the ice and snow economy.