China received 124 million inbound travelers in 2006, ranking
fourth in the world, according to statistics released by China
National Tourism Administration (CNTA).
The figures include arrivals from Hong Kong, Macao and
Taiwan.
According to the CNTA, China reaped US$33.5 billion in tourism
income last year, ranking sixth in the world.
Inbound tourism has become China's biggest service trade area.
The number of travelers from Japan, the Republic of Korea and
Southeast Asian nations grew steadily last year, and the growth of
new markets such as Europe, North America and India has
accelerated.
The development of inbound tourism boosted construction of
infrastructure, hotels, restaurants and shops.
Officials from CNTA said inbound tourism will continue to
increase in the next few years. The Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and the Shanghai
World Expo in 2010 will attract more travelers from all over the
world.
(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2007)