Chinese Tourism Reaches 120 Million Visitor Milestone

China´s tourism sector, which received 120 million visitors in 2005, has started this year with a brand-new slogan, “new countryside, new tourism, new experience and new fashion.”

The industry which earned $96 billion in 2005, expects a growth of 8 percent till the end of the decade as the country continues to be a top travel destination for international travelers. Income from domestic tourism reached $66 billion, while international visitors contributed $29.3 billion according to figures released by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

China is setting a target of 64 million foreign visitors, in the process creating 10 million jobs and contributing revenue of $53 billion income from its tourism industry during its 11th Five-Year Program (2006-2010).

For 2006, the industry has set a target of 130 million inbound tourists, up 8 percent compared to 2005 and in the process creating 500,000 new jobs.

China is aiming to become the world´s biggest destination for inbound travelers by 2017 after overtaking Italy as the world´s fourth most popular tourist resort.