Tourism ministers from ASEAN nations and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) gathered in Beijing at the weekend to thrash out issues to try and revitalize the tourism industry in the region.

During Saturday's meeting, the 13 tourism ministers issued a Beijing declaration on revitalizing tourism for ASEAN, China, Japan and the ROK, in the wake of the potentially fatal SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) disease.

The ministers agreed that SARS, which broke out early this year in some countries and regions, seriously curtailed the normal flow and movement of people within and into the countries, stuck a big blow to China's tourism industry and had an impact on the region's fast-growing economy.

They noted that in the face of the outbreak, governments of the countries and regions concerned took the flu-like virus very seriously, formulated effective measures to control and prevent its spread, and worked together to stamp it out.

"The epidemic has been brought under effective control and poses no threat to travelers. We welcomed the decision by the World Health Organization, which has lifted the travel advisory against all of the affected areas in our region,'' the declaration says.

At the opening ceremony, Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi said the tourism industry plays an important role in the national economies of the countries.

She said the tourism industry in China has already become a new growth point for the national economy because of the nation's social stability and rapid economic growth.

"The Chinese Government adopted a series of policies to combat the damage brought by SARS, including tax-relief and financial support for tourism and other affected industries,'' Wu said.

She said international cooperation was necessary to get the tourism industry in the region back on its feet.

As close neighbors and good friends, ASEAN, China, Japan and the ROK should share tourism resources and successful experiences to promote mutual benefits and common development.

Over the past 10 years, China has become an important tourism destination for the neigboring countries.

The number of tourists from these countries accounted for 56 percent of the total foreign visitors to China last year.

Meanwhile, more Chinese citizens preferred to select these countries as their favorite destinations. In 2002, the number of Chinese tourists visiting these countries stood at 51 percent of all outbound Chinese tourists, according to He Guangwei, head of the China National Tourism Administration.

"China is going to play a constructive role in developing the region's economy and revitalizing the tourism industry while enhancing tourism cooperation with its neighbors,'' He said.

(China Daily August 11, 2003)