China's burgeoning tourism industry is set to become one of the nation's pillar industries, a high-ranking tourism official said this week.

"With China's abundant tourism resources and its rapid economic development in recent years, the tourism industry has become the most attractive part of the service sector and it is expected to become the State's new economic pillar, " said Wei Xiaoan, director of the Planning and Finance Department of the National Tourism Administration.

Statistics indicate that China's tourism industry registered a total turnover of 451.9 billion yuan (US$55 billion) last year, a 13 percent increase over 1999. Its foreign exchange income reached US$16.2 billion, rising 15 percent from 1999.

The country's tourism industry is expected to earn 500 billion yuan (US$60 billion) and US$18 billion in foreign exchange this year.

Wei said tourism is expected to play an increasingly important role in the economic development in less developed areas especially in western China.

China's west, with its unique natural scenery and rich ethnic culture, plans to place greater emphasis on its tourism industry.

"Local governments have vowed to reinforce its investment in the tourism industry to improve infrastructure and services," said Wang Lequan, a senior official of the government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

"Tourism industry is expected to become the region's third pillar industry after oil and cotton," he added.

Shaanxi Province is also ready to develop its tourist attractions along the ancient Silk Road in the hope of regaining its long lost glory.

To help western regions tap their tourism potential, the State has decided to invest 600 million yuan (US$72.3 million) in services and infrastructure.

Experts said the move is part of the State's western development strategy and is expected to help poverty-ridden ethnic groups improve their life.

Foreign investment will also be used in the development of the tourism industry in western China.

"Tourism industry is a lucrative market of low risk and high returns. Foreign players with experience and financial strength are welcome to develop the tourism resources in desert and agricultural areas," said Sun Gang, deputy director of the National Tourism Administration.

According to the nation's long-term development plan, by 2020, the total turnover from the tourism industry is expected to exceed 3,300 billion yuan (US$397.6 billion), equivalent to 8 percent of the nation's GDP.

(China Daily 02/02/2001)