China received 124 million inbound travelers in 2006, ranking fourth in the world, according to statistics released by China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

 

The figures include arrivals from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

 

According to the CNTA, China reaped US$33.5 billion in tourism income last year, ranking sixth in the world.

 

Inbound tourism has become China's biggest service trade area. The number of travelers from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Southeast Asian nations grew steadily last year, and the growth of new markets such as Europe, North America and India has accelerated.

 

The development of inbound tourism boosted construction of infrastructure, hotels, restaurants and shops.

 

Officials from CNTA said inbound tourism will continue to increase in the next few years. The Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 will attract more travelers from all over the world.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2007)