The Wuhan Municipal Government intends to establish a special fund to increase awareness of Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei province and a national tourism city, as a travel destination for people from around the world, hubeitour.gov.cn reported on Nov 6.

The annual fund, of 150 million yuan ($24.62 million), will be used with the aim of attracting 200 million visitors from home and abroad each year by 2016, and realizing revenue of more than 200 billion yuan.

To achieve the goal, Wuhan will launch initiatives related to gliding, diving and camping, and investors involved in RV camping projects and yacht clubs are set to receive government funding.

The city will also cooperate in the launch of chartered flights, special trains and cruise routes involving visitors heading to Wuhan for sightseeing and other leisure activities.

The local authorities will aim to strengthen its traditional markets, such as the US, Japan and South Korea, and they will also target the emerging tourism markets of France, Canada, Australia and Russia, as well as engage in exchange activities with 17 international friendship cities.

Investors focusing on special tourism projects involving the culture of the Three Kingdoms (AD 220-280) and other unique local cultures will also receive funding from the government.

Edited by Niva Whyman