The problems facing the tourism industry as a result of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) were understandable, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in Beijing Tuesday.
Liu said the worldwide tourism had clearly slumped because of SARS, especially international tourism. It was also understandable that some Chinese tourists canceled trips to foreign countries for their security and health.
Liu said figures released by the World Health Organization on April 10 showed that SARS had been found in 19 countries and regions worldwide.
Liu also expressed an understanding of the worries and concerns of some countries for their tourists in China.
He noted that with proper protective measures, the security of foreign tourists on China's mainland could be effectively guaranteed.
Liu said the affect on China's economy and tourism was inevitable, but the Chinese side was confident of overcoming the temporary difficulty with the common efforts of all Chinese people.
(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2003)
