China's tourism industry has witnessed more than 46 billion yuan, or about 5.7 US$billion, in revenue during the National Day holidays, with an annual increase of 16.6 percent.

The National Bureau of Statistics and the National Tourism Administration say some 110 million people went traveling during the "golden week" holidays, 10.5 percent more than last year.

They say about 28.6 million people traveled outside their hometowns and some 82.8 million people participated in one-day tourism programs.

Meanwhile, statistics show 38 million people traveled by railway and three million people by plane.

Earlier, deputy head of the National Tourism Administration, Zhang Xiqin, said tourism regulators received 372 complaints during the seven-day holidays and handled 171 of them, 59 percent less than last year.

The official said 58 cases were related to travel services and 46 cases to scenic spots, 50 and 55 percent less respectively than last year. 

China now has three "Golden Week" holidays -- Spring Festival, International Labor Day, and National Day.

The holiday scheme, initiated by the Chinese government in 1999, is aimed at boosting domestic demand, stimulating consumption, and restructuring the economy.

As the prolonged holidays are seen to be "golden" for the economy, they have become known as "Golden Weeks".

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2005)