Qingdao has made great strides towards growing the tourism industry into a strategic pillar of its economy. This year, the industry‘s revenues are expected to double over 2010 to 120 billion yuan ($18.53 billion), reported the Qingdao Daily.

During the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), Qingdao endeavored to enlarge the tourist market by improving products and strengthening publicity.

In 2014, Qingdao received 68.44 million visitors and took in 106.11 billion in tourism revenues – the first time that figure has surpassed 100 billion yuan.

In 2015, the number of travelers to Qingdao will hit 74 million, up 65 percent over 2010, and revenues will reach 120 billion yuan.

Per capita costs were 1,550 yuan per visitor in 2014, 262.8 yuan more than in 2010.

Qingdao is gaining more popularity worldwide by hosting grand international activities, such as the International Horticultural Exposition and the World Leisure Games.

In 2014, its ranking in Forbes Most Developed Mainland Tourist Cities climbed four places to No. 13.

In the same year, the city ranked 3rd in tourist satisfaction among 60 cities, according to the China Tourism Academy.

Tourism’s value-added contribution to Qingdao’s GDP – 37.14 billion yuan –rose to 4.3 percent in 2014, and has increased to 4.8 percent over the first three quarters this year.

Qingdao has seen a fast and steady growth of 12 percent in tourism income. The sector’s value-added contribution to GDP is estimated to reach 5 percent this year.