China Forecasts Continued International Tourism Growth

The China National Tourism Administration forecasts continued growth in international arrivals and visitor spending this year, building on existing momentum in the market. CNTA is forecasting that overall tourism revenues this year will set a new record of $128.6 billion, an increase of 10 percent from revenues earned in 2006, according to a report issued by the Pacific Asia Travel Association. Spending by travelers from the U.S. also is projected to climb by 10 percent to $37 billion. As for arrivals, CNTO is projecting that China will log more than 129 million visitors, including 24 million international travelers; 22 million people traveled to China in 2006. This rising interest in-and travel to-China is borne out by the country's steady stream of hotel development.