Opportunities for tourism development in Dalian

Analysis of the Development of Dalian Island Tourism

Abstract: With the continuous expansion of people’s travel needs and the deepening of their understanding of the ocean, there has been an unprecedented coastal tourism boom around the world. As an important coastal city in northern my country, Dalian is known as the "Pearl of the North" and is a newly established tourism center city in Northeast Asia. It is also one of the first three "Best Tourism Cities in the Country" created in my country. Dalian relies on its own good resource advantages, convenient location conditions and strong regional economic support to develop its coastal tourism industry very rapidly. This article combines the current development status of Dalian's tourism industry, conducts a SWOT analysis of Dalian's tourism industry, and then proposes the future development strategy of Dalian's island tourism industry.

Keywords: Analysis of the current situation of Dalian tourism industry SWOT analysis and countermeasures

1. The development status of Dalian island tourism industry

(1) Overview of the development of Dalian tourism industry

Dalian is a famous summer resort and tourist hotspot in my country. It is one of the first batch of "Excellent Tourism Cities" in China. It not only has rich modern Chinese cultural and historical tourism resources, but also has many beautiful natural tourism resources. . Dalian City has four major scenic spots: the Southern Coastal Scenic Area, Lushunkou Scenic Area, Jinshitan Scenic Area and Bingyugou Scenic Area. The urban area is also extremely rich in tourism resources, including the Forest Zoo, Xinghai Square, Laohutan Park, Binhai Road, Bangchui Island, etc. There are also large-scale events such as the annual Dalian International Fashion Festival, Spring Festival Fireworks and Firecrackers, Sophora japonica Appreciation Party, and International Marathon, which integrate economy, culture, and tourism. They are well-known at home and abroad and bring unlimited business opportunities and vitality to urban development.

Tourism has developed into a pillar industry in Dalian and an important driving force for Dalian's economic growth. According to statistics, in 2008, Dalian received a total of 30 million domestic tourists, an increase of 21% over the previous year; it received 950,000 inbound tourists, an increase of 13.1% year-on-year, including 94,000 compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and 856,000 foreign tourists, respectively. Year-on-year growth of 4.4% and 14.1%. The total tourism revenue was 40.08 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 23.3%.

(2) Positioning of Dalian’s tourism industry

The development theme of Dalian’s tourism industry is: “Romantic City, Fashionable Dalian”. "Romantic" and "fashion" are the character and image of Dalian city. Romance is Dalian's personality quality, and fashion is Dalian's value orientation. Romance and fashion coincide with Dalian's urban development context and are also in line with tourists' perception of Dalian's tourism image.

At present, Dalian tourism has embarked on a unique development path: first shaping the city brand, then creating the tourism brand, successfully creating a tourism development model with the entire city as the carrier and core attraction, becoming A model city in China that develops tourism beyond the norm. It has set an example for China’s urbanization path. Its connotation is reflected in: advanced concepts, brand-driven, government-led, continuous innovation, and win-win cooperation. This is the so-called "Dalian model", which has been promoted nationwide by the National Tourism Administration.

II. SWOT analysis of Dalian tourism development

(1) Analysis of advantages of Dalian tourism development

1. Superior location and climate advantages< /p>

Dalian is located at the southern end of the Liaodong Peninsula, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east and the Bohai Sea to the west. It has a temperate monsoon climate influenced by the ocean, with warm winters and cool summers, and four distinct seasons. In addition, Dalian is the gatekeeper guarding the narrow exit from the Bohai Sea to the Pacific Ocean. It is the main seaport from the three northeastern provinces and eastern Inner Mongolia to North China, East China, South China and overseas. Since ancient times, Dalian has been a maritime transportation artery and coastal defense strategy in northern my country. This important place is known as the "Northeast Outpost" and the "Gateway to Beijing and Tianjin". At the same time, Dalian is the center of Northeast Asia, located at the eastern end of the Eurasian Continental Bridge. It is the port with the best natural conditions in the Northeast and plays an important role in Northeast regional cooperation.

2. Rich resource advantages

Dalian has various types of tourism resources such as cities, seas, harbors, bays, islands, forests, springs, mountains, and rivers, and its quality Superior, the combination has obvious advantages. Coastal scenery is the main body of Dalian's tourism resources. The exquisite combination of sea, beach, sand, scenery and mountains, islands, reefs, roads, etc. is integrated into one, forming a colorful and distinctive coastal tourism landscape, such as the warm and romantic coastal road. , the beautiful and charming Xinghai Square, the colorful Haizhiyun Square, others such as Xinghai Park, Laohutan Ocean Park, Fujiazhuang, Bangchui Island Hotel... Dalian has more than 100 coastal scenic spots (attractions), which are the same as other coastal areas in China. Compared with cities, it has the characteristics of numerous coastal scenic spots, unique landscapes and a collection of fine products.

3. Good environmental advantages

Dalian attaches great importance to basic urban construction, environmental beautification and environmental protection. Dalian is one of the greenest cities in my country. It has won the "Habitat Award" awarded by the United Nations, the "World's 500 Best" cities for environment, the National Greening Advanced City, the National Top Ten Cities for Comprehensive Environmental Improvement, the National Sanitary City, and the National It has won honorary titles such as Garden City and National Environmental Protection Model City, won the "China Human Settlements Environment Award" from the Ministry of Construction, was identified by the United Nations as a leading city in environmental governance in the Asia-Pacific region, and was awarded the title of "Best International Ecological Security City". Its good environment is Attracting tourists plays a key role.

4. Broad market advantages

Dalian is located at the junction of two rapid economic growth regions, the Northeast and the Bohai-Huang Rim, and is one of the regions with the strongest tourism demand. With the development of the western region and the rapid economic development of northern China, Dalian's economic radiation will become larger, and its hinterland may expand to northwest and northern China. In addition, Dalian's international market is dominated by Japan and South Korea, and the Japanese and South Korean markets have a good foundation. With the shift of the world's economic and tourism center and the rapid development of tourism in the Asia-Pacific region, China will become one of the world's top five tourist destinations, doubling its attraction to surrounding areas, and Dalian is the center of Northeast Asia with strong tourism demand. Will benefit greatly.

(2) Analysis of the disadvantages of Dalian's tourism development

1. The unbalanced development of Dalian's tourism over time

The unbalanced development of Dalian's tourism over time , strong seasonality. Dalian's seaside tourism is greatly affected by climate, and tourists are mostly concentrated from May to October. During the peak season, the number of tourists increases significantly, and tourism revenue from scenic spots, attractions and service agencies increases, but it is also easy to cause some negative impacts. For example, tourist attractions are overcrowded. Exceeding its environmental carrying capacity has put great pressure on urban infrastructure, making it difficult to purchase car, boat and plane tickets, and delaying the return of some tourists on time.

2. The spatial development of Dalian’s tourism industry is unbalanced

The spatial layout of Dalian’s tourism is heavy on the south and light on the north. From a regional perspective, the focus of tourism development is within the city, and insufficient attention is paid to the three northern cities. From the city's perspective, the focus of the tourism industry is on the tourism golden triangle with the southern seaside as the center and Lushun and Jinshitan as the two wings. The development pattern of the tourism industry has not yet been fully developed.

3. Tourism products are relatively single and lack characteristics

Dalian’s current tourism products have no distinctive characteristics and are basically similar to those of surrounding provinces and cities. They are not high-grade, small-scale, and lack self-centeredness. Unique flagship product. At the same time, the development level of tourism products is still low, and there is still no fundamental breakthrough in the "see more, participate less" situation. Large-scale key projects with monopoly and sensational effects and distinctive themes have yet to be developed and improved.

4. Lack of professional tourism service companies and professional talents

Dalian attaches great importance to the development of tourism resources, tourism markets, tourism products, etc., but the number of professional tourism service companies in Dalian is small It is chaotic, and the certification standards for local tour guides are not very strict. During the Golden Week of Tourism or special holiday celebrations, when full-time tour guides are insufficient, many tour groups recruit some non-professional part-time tour guides to fill the vacancies.

(3) Opportunities facing the development of Dalian’s tourism industry

1. Macro opportunities

(1) With the continuous rapid development of the world’s tourism industry, for Being located in the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, an important destination for inbound tourists, provides huge development opportunities and also brings huge market opportunities to Dalian, which is located in the tourism and transportation center of this region.

(2) China's accession to the WTO has accelerated the opening up of Dalian's tourism industry and accelerated the entry of foreign investors into Dalian's tourism industry, which has brought opportunities to the development of Dalian's tourism industry.

(3) The sustained rapid growth of the national economy and the continuous improvement of people’s living standards have given rise to a huge domestic tourism market. my country’s consumption structure is changing from subsistence to hedonic consumption, and the upgrading of the consumption structure has promoted Upgrading of tourism product structure and transformation of tourism industry.

2. Meso-level opportunities

(1) With the comprehensive adjustment of the national economic and industrial structure, the tourism industry has become a pillar industry of the tertiary industry, which promotes the rapid upgrading of the tourism industry. .

(2) The government attaches great importance to the development of tourism, supports tourism as an important industry in the national economy, vigorously develops tourism, and introduces many new methods and measures.

(3) When the Beijing Olympics was held in 2008, Dalian put forward the slogan "Olympics in Beijing, tourism in Dalian", which also brought business opportunities to Dalian's tourism industry.

3. Micro opportunities

(1) The construction of Northeast Asia International Shipping Center has created new development opportunities for Dalian to develop high-end marine tourism using yachts, cruise ships and oil tankers as carriers.

(2) Dalian has entered a stage of comprehensive adjustment of the economic and industrial structure characterized by the rapid development of the modern service industry. Economic development has given rise to strong demand for leisure tourism in the internal market.

(3) With the comprehensive development of transportation, Dalian’s three-dimensional sea, land and air transportation network has been fully formed, and Dalian’s comprehensive location advantages have been highlighted.

(4) Threats faced by Dalian’s tourism development

1. Intensified competition among tourist destinations

At present, vigorously developing tourism has become a craze, and regional Competition among companies is becoming increasingly fierce. Competition from domestic and foreign tourist cities poses a competitive threat to Dalian tourism.

The main foreign tourism countries that pose a threat include: Singapore, with its superior geographical location and infrastructure, is a major tourism country in Asia; Japan, as an economically developed country in Asia, has the largest convention and exhibition center in Asia. It is also across the sea from Dalian, which also poses a considerable threat to Dalian's tourism industry; in addition, there are South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, etc.

The main domestic tourism cities that pose competitive pressure on Dalian tourism are: Hong Kong uses its superior geographical location and developed market economy to have good conditions for developing tourism; as the capital and political and cultural center of our country Beijing is also in a leading position in the national tourism market; Shanghai, as the economic and cultural center of our country, is also one of the areas with the earliest development of domestic tourism and the most active tourism economy.

2. The threat of overseas tourism companies to local tourism enterprises in Dalian

Dalian’s tourism market has huge development potential, attracting many international tourism companies to compete. At present, a number of foreign-funded tourism companies from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc. have entered Dalian. Because overseas tourism companies have extensive customer marketing networks, strong financial support, sound and powerful organizations, rich and advanced management methods and experience, coupled with high international reputation, compared with some domestic tourism companies in Dalian, the competition in the tourism market His own weaknesses are exposed.

3. Suggestions for the development of Dalian’s tourism industry

(1) Pay attention to the cultivation and introduction of tourism talents

Tourism professionals are the key to the development of Dalian’s tourism industry one of the key factors. Dalian is an advanced coastal city that is open to the outside world. It also has more than ten national and provincial key colleges and universities. Most of them have also opened tourism development and management majors accordingly, which provides Dalian with the opportunity to cultivate professional talents for the development of tourism. convenient way. The government can join forces with universities and enterprises to lay a solid foundation for training local tourism professionals as soon as possible, and can improve the quality of employees through tourism seminars, short-term training courses for professionals, etc.; at the same time, it should introduce from overseas A group of tourism talents and professional tourism companies realize the effective connection between localization and internationalization of talent training.

(2) Carry out large-scale cultural activities to break the obvious disadvantageous situation during the off-peak tourism season

With the development of society, people’s demand for culture in tourism activities is increasing. This requires that tourist destinations must be able to provide culturally rich tourism products and tourism environments. Paying attention to the cultural development of natural tourism resources and the development of humanistic tourism resources are important directions for the development of tourism resources in Dalian. The obvious disadvantageous situation in Dalian during the low and peak tourism seasons can be broken by carrying out large-scale cultural activities.

l. Continue to organize the annual Xinghai Square Fireworks and Firecrackers Spring Festival Party and the Labor Park Spring Festival Lantern Festival to provide citizens and tourists with a good cultural feast in winter.

2. Dalian has many unique cultural and artistic groups that are famous at home and abroad, such as the Municipal Acrobatic Troupe, Song and Dance Troupe, Peking Opera Troupe, and De Sheng Peasant Symphony Orchestra. Dalian City can give full play to their role and carry out colorful cultural and artistic activities in winter. This can not only bring about the overall prosperity of Dalian's cultural life and make Dalian's winter truly active, but also drive the development of Dalian's winter tourism industry.

(3) Fully explore the local characteristics of tourism products

Tourist souvenirs should reflect Dalian’s characteristics, be of high taste, and be able to fully express Dalian’s scenery, customs and spirit of the city. A series of tourism products should be developed closely around the unique theme of "Romantic City". For example, the "Romantic Square" series of tourist souvenirs can be developed, famous squares such as Xinghai Square and Friendship Square can be made into miniature sculptures or three-dimensional assembled models, and the "Eternal Oath" romantic love series can be designed around the "Romantic Sea" Products can also be developed around Dalian's highlights such as the "Romantic Female Mounted Police".

IV. Summary

Through the above analysis of the advantages and disadvantages, opportunities and threats of Dalian tourism development, and the corresponding solutions to the existing problems, I believe that As long as Dalian can implement positive solutions to its existing problems, seize opportunities, and meet challenges, in the near future, Dalian will surely be built into a modern, ecological, and innovative international coastal tourism destination, and become a more famous The oriental romantic capital of the world.