An estimated 5 million international tourists would be attracted to Shenzhen after visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, the Shenzhen Evening News reported Monday.

Zhao Zhiying, an official at the Party's policymaking office in Shenzhen, said this would happen on the condition that Shenzhen greatly improved its infrastructure facilities and service sector.

Zhao said the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland in September would be a big challenge to Shenzhen's tourism industry. However, it would also present an opportunity for Shenzhen.

Hong Kong Disneyland is widely regarded as a landmark tourism attraction in the Pan Pearl River Delta Region. Many people are concerned about a possible negative impact Hong Kong Disneyland would have on the city's Overseas Chinese Town (OCT), which houses most of the city's theme parks.

However, Zhao remains optimistic believing Disney Park would also help boost tourism in Shenzhen. He said OCT should be well prepared for the competition by promoting its image, highlighting the features of the theme parks, upgrading park facilities and improving service.

He said Shenzhen's theme parks should be more service-minded and improve their language abilities. In addition, the government should take measures to facilitate easy border crossing, Zhao said.

(Shenzhen Daily April 5, 2005)