The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the country's top industry authority, released their annual report on domestic travel agencies on Monday. The report’s findings were made public by Xue Guifeng, vice director of the Industry Management Department of CNTA.

The report shows that the number of travel agencies continues to rise but at a slower rate compared to previous years. At the end of 2005 China had a total of 16,846 registered travel agencies -- 1,507 more than in 2004.

Of all the agencies 1590 are involved in authorized international business. After the annual inspection 15,601 have been given approval to continue their business, which accounts for 92.61 percent of the total. For poor service or management the licenses of 436 travel agents have been canceled and 809 suspended.

The report also shows a year-on-year rise in the revenues, gross profits and taxes earned by travel agencies. The average gross profit margin was reported as being 6.31 percent -- 1.19 percent up on 2004. 

There are 248,900 people working in these agencies, which is an increase of 1.1 percent over 2004. The report shows the country has a total 295,300 licensed tour guides with 93,900 working for travel agents -- a 6.47 percent drop from 2004.

In 2005 just 31.8 percent of licensed tour guides were in active service with travel firms while in 2004 that figure stood at 44.33 percent -- a fall of 13 percent.

There are 26 travel firms with foreign investment of which five are under examination and waiting for approval, according to the report.  

(China.org.cn by Wang Zhiyong, June 9, 2006)