Entrusted by the State Council, Shao Qiwei, head of the National Tourism Administration, clearly stated when reporting to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on December 28 about the major progress in China’s tourism development that, in terms of strengthening policy support for tourism growth, China will formulate a national outline on tourism and leisure and implement the paid leave system. Meanwhile, the government will establish special investments, focusing on supporting infrastructure construction in key scenic areas in central and western regions, red tourism, rural tourism, and other areas.
During the 11th Five-Year Plan period, China’s tourism industry developed rapidly. The three major markets—domestic tourism, inbound tourism, and outbound tourism—all flourished. China has become the world’s third-largest inbound tourism destination and outbound tourism consumption country, and has formed the world’s largest domestic tourism market. The tourism industry has entered a new stage of mass and industrial development.
Shao Qiwei pointed out that the economic driving role of China’s tourism industry has become more prominent, with its added value accounting for over 4% of GDP.
According to reports, there are more than 110 industries related to tourism in China. The development of tourism has driven social investment and promoted the growth of related sectors. Among them, tourism contributes over 90% to the accommodation industry and over 80% to the civil aviation and railway passenger transport industries. Tourism has also boosted social consumption. Last year, domestic tourism consumption by Chinese residents reached 1.26 trillion yuan, accounting for 9.4% of total consumer spending.
Therefore, Shao Qiwei emphasized that at present and for the foreseeable future, China will provide more active support for the tourism industry within the overall national strategy and the general layout of national economic and social development.
Shao Qiwei said that in terms of strengthening policy support for tourism growth, China will formulate a national outline on tourism and leisure and implement the paid leave system.
Meanwhile, the government will also increase investment in tourism development. Special investments will be established to focus on supporting infrastructure construction in key scenic areas in central and western regions, red tourism, rural tourism, and other areas. The State Council has decided to extend the Tourism Development Fund until 2015, primarily for national tourism image promotion, planning compilation, talent training, and the development of tourism public service systems. When allocating central fiscal funds for promoting service sector development, supporting SMEs, foreign trade development, and energy conservation and emission reduction, support will be given to eligible tourism enterprises.
During the 11th Five-Year Plan period, China’s tourism industry developed rapidly. The three major markets—domestic tourism, inbound tourism, and outbound tourism—all flourished. China has become the world’s third-largest inbound tourism destination and outbound tourism consumption country, and has formed the world’s largest domestic tourism market. The tourism industry has entered a new stage of mass and industrial development.
Shao Qiwei pointed out that the economic driving role of China’s tourism industry has become more prominent, with its added value accounting for over 4% of GDP.
According to reports, there are more than 110 industries related to tourism in China. The development of tourism has driven social investment and promoted the growth of related sectors. Among them, tourism contributes over 90% to the accommodation industry and over 80% to the civil aviation and railway passenger transport industries. Tourism has also boosted social consumption. Last year, domestic tourism consumption by Chinese residents reached 1.26 trillion yuan, accounting for 9.4% of total consumer spending.
Therefore, Shao Qiwei emphasized that at present and for the foreseeable future, China will provide more active support for the tourism industry within the overall national strategy and the general layout of national economic and social development.
Shao Qiwei said that in terms of strengthening policy support for tourism growth, China will formulate a national outline on tourism and leisure and implement the paid leave system.
Meanwhile, the government will also increase investment in tourism development. Special investments will be established to focus on supporting infrastructure construction in key scenic areas in central and western regions, red tourism, rural tourism, and other areas. The State Council has decided to extend the Tourism Development Fund until 2015, primarily for national tourism image promotion, planning compilation, talent training, and the development of tourism public service systems. When allocating central fiscal funds for promoting service sector development, supporting SMEs, foreign trade development, and energy conservation and emission reduction, support will be given to eligible tourism enterprises.
