The 2008 Guangzhou International Tourism and Culture Festival and Pan-Pearl River Delta Tourism Promotion Convention ended yesterday after dozens of events including the 22nd Guangzhou International Gourmet Festival.

Held at Grandview Mall, the biggest shopping center in the city, the gourmet gala had the theme "Taste Healthy Foods, Experience Leisure Life" that attracted a large number of diners. It concludes today.

Twenty-four restaurateurs served delicacies for visitors at the front square of Grandview Mall and 30 other venues like Coast Park in Nansha district and Bantang road in Liwan district.

Following the opening ceremony, 12 events were held for gourmet fest, including a forum on catering, an exhibition of culinary creations, an exhibition on science and technology and a display on catering.

At the summit forum, Deputy Mayor Cao Jianliao said the restaurant trade will bring more than 40 billion yuan to Guangzhou this year.

He added that internationalization and standards will play a key role in developing the industry with Guangzhou's own characteristics. He also emphasized that great importance should be attached to celebrated traditional restaurants and food safety.

In several districts of Guangzhou - such as Conghua, Nansha and Panyu - a range of festivals at scenic spots and tourism facilities were organized during the provincial tourism session.

In Panyu a tourism ambassador contest was held at the end of last month.

Conghua district rich in hot springs held a forum on the attractions and how to promote them.

Zengcheng district's mountain scenery was home to a mountaineering and tourism festival last month at the Baishuizai scenic spot that drew hundreds of participants.

The city also hosted a matchmaking activity named Romance Trip of Guangdong for young men and women.

A wine festival, a tourism video contest and a college student tourism and culture festival were held as well.