Pingtan has a bright future in developing eco-tourism, according to Julie-Ann Nicoles, deputy consul general of the Australian Trade Commission.

“I am amazed by how much Pingtan has achieved in (infrastructure) construction and how ambitious it is in its blueprint. And I think Pingtan can take advantage of its gorgeous and long coastlines to promote eco-tourism,” she said.

Ms Nicoles made the remarks in an interview with Pingtan Times following a ceremony on Nov 19 where Argyle Hotel Group, a renowned Australian hotel management agency, reached a deal with a local property developer to set up a five-star Argyle resort hotel in Pingtan in 2015.

“Pingtan’s authorities did a good job balancing urban construction and ecological protection, and make full use of Pingtan’s ecological resources to develop tourism, which is something worth celebrating,” said Nicoles.

With one of the best beach and ocean resources in China, Pingtan can also promote water sports to attract more tourists, she said.

“In many coastal cities in Australia, local governments have cooperated with communities and companies to co-develop water sports such as surfing and swimming to help tourists enjoy themselves at sea in a safer manner.”

During the expansion of its tourism, Pingtan should also pay attention to the preservation of natural resources, said Nicoles, who suggested that Pingtan can have more communications with Australian cities to gain experiences in this aspect.

The settlement of Argyle in Pingtan is just a beginning (of the Pingtan-Australia cooperation). Nicoles said she believed more Australian cities and enterprises will reach out to Pingtan in tourism and service sectors.

Ms Julie-Ann Nicoles, deputy consul general of the Australian Trade Commission, poses for a photo during an interview with Pingtan Times on Nov 19. Nicoles praised Pingtan’s efforts in ecology protection and suggested Pingtan promote eco-tourism. [Photo/Pingtan Times]