Shanghai has invited world-class musicians, singers, dancers and actors to a festival that aims to consolidate its status as a major international tourist destination and propel the growth of the local economy.
“The art shows will connect the city with the world, and innovative performances will drive foot traffic,” said Li Ming, president of the CSIAF, a unit of the festival’s host, the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism, at a press conference. “The traffic will eventually be translated into Shanghai’s allure to international tourists.”
He did not estimate how many inbound tourists the event could draw, adding that Shanghai’s ultimate goal was to make the city a magnet for the world’s top performers.
Last year, the festival lured 20,000 foreign tourists to see international artists such as French pianist Alexandre Kantorow and bass-baritone opera singer Bryn Terfel.
Li said the Wiener Philharmoniker, Stuttgart Ballet and American violinist Joshua Bell were among the top artists slated to appear this year.
“Highbrow performances are the foundation of the internationally renowned art festival,” he added.
