The China National Tourism Administration has issued a notice that the year 2009 has been declared Chinese Eco-tourism Year with a slogan of "be a green traveler and experience eco-civilization".

The notice indicates that with the fast growth of the eco-tourism industry in China, this type of tour product has become more and more popular among domestic and international tourists.

Declaring 2009 as an eco-tourism year in China will enhance the promotion of eco-tourism products and the concept of environment-friendly travel, and encourage resource-saving tourism operations, with the aim of satisfying the new trend of tourism consumption and building Chinese tourism industry into a green industry with sustainable development.

CNTA also requires that each level of tourism departments should focus on the theme of 2009 Chinese Eco-tourism Year in major fields and sectors including production development, market promotion, operation and management, and consumption guidance to create a good social environment for concern about, participating in, and encouraging the development of the Chinese eco-tourism industry.

(China Hospitality News November 11, 2008)