A glittering lineup of sporting stars, among others, attended the 2024 Baotou Marathon Sports Industry Investment Promotion Conference, held on June 9 at the Baotou International Convention and Exhibition Center – in Baotou city, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Olympic champions and industry guests gathered to discuss the high-quality development of the sports industry.

Wang Junxia (right), gold medalist in the women's 5,000 meters at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, meets a fan during the conference. [Photo/Baotou news network]

At the conference, Cui Xiaojing, director of the Baotou bureau of sports, gave a presentation on the achievements of the city's sports industry and promoted various sports projects. Representatives from various districts and counties in the city also talked about investment opportunities there.

In recent years, Baotou has vigorously developed its sports industry – actively introducing high-level international and domestic sports events to raise the city's profile and bolster its influence.

In 2023, Baotou hosted marathon and equestrian-themed events – pioneering a new model combining culture, sports and tourism – helping to inject new vitality into the tourism sector.

Local businesses say the approach is proving to be highly effective.

"In the past two years, driven by the Baotou Marathon series, our sales have exceeded expectations by 60 percent compared with the same period," said He Chunlei, general manager of Baotou Guanjie Trading Co.

"The events have significantly boosted sports consumption. We hope Baotou can attract more large-scale sports events to enhance city vitality and drive the development of the sports industry," the executive added.

Cui Xiaojing issued an open invitation to those considering starting up in the city.

"We welcome entrepreneurs to visit Baotou, to explore the sports industry and engage in cooperation. Baotou will provide efficient services and create the optimal investment environment," Cui said.