While China's beautiful scenic attractions drew groups of foreign tourists in 2002, Chinese tourists also traveled to other countries in greater numbers.

China's huge numbers of inbound and outbound tourists indicate it is becoming one of the world's big tourism nations. Its prosperous economy has not only attracted foreign travelers, but also propelled Chinese tourists to go overseas. Experts called it the cross-border prosperity generated by tourism.

By the end of November, over 15 million Chinese had traveled worldwide, up 39 percent compared with the corresponding period of 2001, and up 27 percent on last year's total. Meanwhile, over 89 million foreigners came to China, surpassing last year's total.

In 2002, global tourism slowed down, but China's tourist industry maintained growth. China was now considered the most exciting and safest tourism destination, said Sun Gang, deputy director of China's National Tourism Administration. Inbound tourist numbers were expected to exceed 97 million in 2002, with income from tourism reaching US$20 billion.

Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Francesco Frangialli highly praised China's inbound tourism performance. He said China's stable political situation and good tourism management would ensure safety and quality for tourists. Moderate tourism costs and China's wealth of history also attracted foreigners.

In recent years, private travel in and out of China has become increasingly important. The development of trade and services has aroused the wide interest of foreigners in this ancient nation. Meanwhile China's economic growth also makes it possible for Chinese to travel. China was among the few countries with a tourism growth in 2002, said Martin Besse, chairman of the board of the TUI Group China.

On Feb. 1, 2003, China's Spring Festival, while some foreigners would visit here on holiday, there would be more Chinese traveling abroad, Terje Thoresen, general manager of Scandinavian Airlines System China said in November.

One month out from the Spring Festival holidays, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Vietnam Airlines and Turkish Airlines all announced their flights out of China in that period were almost full. Most of their customers are Chinese travel agencies.

Sun said seven countries had gained the Authorized Destination Status for Chinese tourists from Beijing in 2002 and six nations signed tourism cooperation memorandums with China, setting a record high.

The simplification of inbound and outbound procedures made travel more convenient for Chinese residents heading overseas. China also began to facilitate passport application procedures in some of its cities.

The increasingly rich Chinese people grew popular around the world thanks to their positive input into local economies.

"Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka not only indicate China's prosperity but also contribute to our economy," said Haji Saben, an official with the Sri Lanka Tourism Administration.

After years of development, China's tourism has now become an exciting new industry with great potential, experts say. The rapid increase in inbound and outbound tourists will enable China to become the world's top tourism destination and fourth largest source of tourists by 2020.

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2003)