While China's beautiful scenic attractions drew groups of foreign
tourists in 2002, Chinese tourists also traveled to other countries
in greater numbers.
China's huge numbers of inbound and outbound tourists indicate it
is becoming one of the world's big tourism nations. Its prosperous
economy has not only attracted foreign travelers, but also
propelled Chinese tourists to go overseas. Experts called it the
cross-border prosperity generated by tourism.
By
the end of November, over 15 million Chinese had traveled
worldwide, up 39 percent compared with the corresponding period of
2001, and up 27 percent on last year's total. Meanwhile, over 89
million foreigners came to China, surpassing last year's total.
In
2002, global tourism slowed down, but China's tourist industry
maintained growth. China was now considered the most exciting and
safest tourism destination, said Sun Gang, deputy director of
China's National Tourism Administration. Inbound tourist numbers
were expected to exceed 97 million in 2002, with income from
tourism reaching US$20 billion.
Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Francesco
Frangialli highly praised China's inbound tourism performance. He
said China's stable political situation and good tourism management
would ensure safety and quality for tourists. Moderate tourism
costs and China's wealth of history also attracted foreigners.
In
recent years, private travel in and out of China has become
increasingly important. The development of trade and services has
aroused the wide interest of foreigners in this ancient nation.
Meanwhile China's economic growth also makes it possible for
Chinese to travel. China was among the few countries with a tourism
growth in 2002, said Martin Besse, chairman of the board of the TUI
Group China.
On
Feb. 1, 2003, China's Spring Festival, while some foreigners would
visit here on holiday, there would be more Chinese traveling
abroad, Terje Thoresen, general manager of Scandinavian Airlines
System China said in November.
One month out from the Spring Festival holidays, Singapore
Airlines, Thai Airways International, Vietnam Airlines and Turkish
Airlines all announced their flights out of China in that period
were almost full. Most of their customers are Chinese travel
agencies.
Sun said seven countries had gained the Authorized Destination
Status for Chinese tourists from Beijing in 2002 and six nations
signed tourism cooperation memorandums with China, setting a record
high.
The simplification of inbound and outbound procedures made travel
more convenient for Chinese residents heading overseas. China also
began to facilitate passport application procedures in some of its
cities.
The increasingly rich Chinese people grew popular around the world
thanks to their positive input into local economies.
"Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka not only indicate China's prosperity
but also contribute to our economy," said Haji Saben, an official
with the Sri Lanka Tourism Administration.
After years of development, China's tourism has now become an
exciting new industry with great potential, experts say. The rapid
increase in inbound and outbound tourists will enable China to
become the world's top tourism destination and fourth largest
source of tourists by 2020.
(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2003)