Under the reform and opening up policy, the tourist industry of Ningbo has now taken initial shape after experiencing the embryonic stage. It has played a positive role in promoting the reforming and opening up of Ningbo, in accelerating the construction of the modernized international port city and in enriching the life of the people. During the year of 1998, Ningbo has received totally 100,000 foreign visitors and 10,050,000 home visitors. With the enhancement of the economic power and the adjustment of the economic structure, the promoting effects and the potential of the tourist industry of Ningbo have emerged. Personages of various circles have all realized that it is very important to stress on tourist industry and to regard it as the new economic growing point and the pillar industry of Ningbo.
In recent years, the number of tourists to Ningbo keeps on rising, and as a result the tourist industry income increases gradually. Meanwhile, the development and construction of the tourist resources and the scenic spots are strengthened, and new tourist products are developed as soon as possible. Moreover, the comprehensive reception ability has been improved rapidly. Now Ningbo has totally 54 foreign-related tourist hotels, 5 international travel agencies and 42 domestic travel agencies. The employees in the tourist industry in the whole city have reached more than 17,000. Ningbo Airport, Long-distance Bus Stations, the South Railway station and the Passenger Transportation Port have formed a stereoscopic transportation network.