Guilin is known for its picturesque karst mountains and beautiful rivers. [Photo/Xinhua]

South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region will increase policy support for Guilin in terms of inbound tourism, as well as open up all sectors of the tourism industry for the employment of foreign talents.

In recent years, Guilin has promoted the protection of the Lijiang River, upgrading the ecological coastline and landscape along the river. It has also introduced and implemented high-end cultural and tourism integration projects to promote the significant improvement of the quality of cultural tourism.

According to Qin Chuncheng, mayor of Guilin, it is estimated that the total number of tourists will reach 136 million in 2019, and the total tourism revenue will reach 182.7 billion yuan ($26.04 billion).

In order to build Guilin into a world-class international tourist destination by 2025, Guangxi will provide more policy support, strive to set up a comprehensive bonded zone in Guilin, and open the fifth freedom of the air right, as well as establish a sub-center of the China Tourism Resources Assets Trading Center.

The time period for the 72-hour transit visa for 53 countries at the port of Guilin International Airport will be extended to 144 hours. Travelers on transit-visa exemptions or in a visa-free tour group from 10 ASEAN countries will be able to stay in administrative regions of Guangxi. The visa-free travel groups will be allowed to enter from the Guilin Airport port and exit from various ports in Guangxi.

Guangxi will also promote the construction of the Guilin Tourism Industry Research Institute, building a more open talent introduction mechanism and broadening the employment channels for foreign talents.