Delegates attending the 66th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting experienced Qingdao's magic from the water during a special "viewing Qingdao from the sea" night cruise on Oct 14. Setting sail from the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, representatives enjoyed panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks bathed in the glow of Fushan Bay's spectacular light show.

The event highlighted Qingdao's booming marine tourism. To date, 17 such cruise routes have been launched, with vessel departures surging to 96,400 trips this year, carrying 3.88 million passengers and boosting revenue by nearly 74 percent year-on-year.

Delegates were unanimous in their praise. Dominic Trindade, commercial minister at the Australian Embassy in Beijing, applauded the city's cuisine, culture, and excellent visitor services.

"Both the distinctive local cuisine, fine wines, and the uniquely captivating Chinese culture are incredibly appealing," Trindade added.

He also spoke highly of Qingdao's tourism services, noting that the city offers not only a pleasant ecological environment and high safety standards but also convenient transportation, providing visitors with an excellent travel experience.

First-time visitor Elena Antonova, from the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, was captivated, enthusiastically endorsing the local beer and seafood. Ingrid Kuman from Papua New Guinea's tourism promotion authority found the cityscape "stunning", vowing to recommend Qingdao to friends and colleagues.

The 66th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting was held in Qingdao from Oct 14 to 16. The "viewing Qingdao from the sea" activity showcases the city's charm in a unique way, leaving attendees with a lasting impression.

Delegates attending the 66th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting experience Qingdao's magic from the water during a special "viewing Qingdao from the sea" night cruise on Oct 14. [Photo/Guanhai News]