Shandong to launch first 863 tourism project

Shandong Tourism Administration has been given responsibility for the "development and demonstration of a digital travel service system based on a highly-trusted network", a tourism project under the National High-Tech Research and Development Program, which is also known as the 863 Program.

The aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive integrated digital travel service system through the integration of travel agency information systems, scenic spot information systems, and online travel service systems, to realize the integration of travel agency information publications and product marketing; scenic spot multi-media promotions; and traffic, lodging, and dining resources.

The project is expected to be completed by December 2010, and is intended to build a comprehensive modern tourism industry digital applications services system for promotion and marketing, tourist product booking, and maintaining travel service levels.

In the initial stages, pilot work will be conducted in three destinations — Qingdao, Yantai and Jining — and with some tourism enterprises such as scenic spots, travel agencies, hotels, automobile companies, tour guide service centers, and airlines.