China Tourism Industry

As China opens its economy to the world, tourists may now explore and experience the splendor and beauty of its many tourist attractions. Despite the outbreak of the Iraq War and Sars in 2003, China received about 91.7 million overseas visitors, thus ranking it the 3rd most popular tourist destination in the world. According to the World Tourism Organization, China will become the No. 1 Tourist Spot in the world by 2020. With the largest population in the world, and rapid annual economic growth, China’s domestic tourism is also seeing a surge in numbers. Domestic travel hit 870 million in 2003. In the week starting October 1 (China’s National Day), China’s tourism industry recorded a figure of nearly 90 million domestic travelers, and a sales turnover of USD 4.2 billion nationwide. The Chinese government is now actively preparing the groundwork for new consumer demand, by facilitating the development of transportation networks, infrastructure, tourism destinations, and a favorable policy environment. The tourism industry will continue to be a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and a major source of job creation over the next decade.