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Beijing's tourism industry enjoyed substantial growth in 2005 and is on track to becoming a world-class international tourist destination.

 

According to statistics released by the Information Office of the Beijing municipal government yesterday, Beijing received 3.629 million tourists last year from outside the Chinese mainland, 15 percent higher than 2004, the largest number of visitors so far.

 

Among theses tourists, 3.116 million were from foreign countries, a growth rate of 16.2 percent over 2004.

 

Visitors from the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea formed the majority.

 

Visitors from Hong Kong reached 314,000, 13.1 percent more than in 2004. Last year also saw 186,000 visitors from Taiwan, an increase of 1.4 percent from 2004.

 

The overall income from foreign exchange reached US$3.62 billion.

 

The 11th Five-Year Plan that was approved by the Municipal People's Congress on Friday listed tourism as a major service industry to which the government has promised special support.

 

The plan aims to allow Beijing to seize the opportunity of hosting the Olympic Games in 2008 to promote tourism, with a focus on the conventions and exhibitions industry.

 

The city plans to establish a series of conventions and exhibitions with international influence, especially in the fields of science and technology, automobiles and culture.

 

Sightseeing, exhibitions, holidays, culture and entertainment will be the five pillars of Beijing's tourism sector.

 

The municipal tourism bureau estimates that a total investment of 80 billion yuan (US$9.8 billion) will be injected to the tourism and exhibition industry over the next five to six years.

 

According to a document on the outlook of Beijing's tourism industry, released by the bureau, Beijing has set a goal of becoming a first-class international tourism destination by 2020.

 

The document said tourism infrastructure, such as roads and transport networks, would be substantially improved thanks to the Olympic Games, making the city more visitor-friendly and accessible for tourists.

 

A light rail line connecting Beijing Capital International Airport and Dongzhimen in downtown Beijing will be completed by 2008. It will take passengers 16 minutes to cover a distance of 27 kilometers.

 

At the same time, the municipal government promises to spare no efforts in preserving the ancient look and feel of the city.

 

(China Daily January 23, 2006)