China eyes closer tourism ties with APEC members
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-10-17 13:54
China wants to enhance tourism cooperation with APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation) members on the basis on mutual benefits to boost the common
development of the industry, a Chinese official told Xinhua in Hoi
An Tuesday.
"The fundamental way to boost tourism in the region is
to strengthen cooperation and exchanges," Gu Zhaoxi, vice chairman of China's
National Tourism Administration, said on the sidelines of the 4th APEC Tourism
Ministerial Meeting being held here in Quang Nam province. He added that the
closer ties are also quite necessary in dealing with risks posing to the
industry such as natural disasters, disease, and surging international oil
price.
China agrees with the APEC members at the meeting on some
initiatives on bolstering the region's travel industry, and beefing up
cooperation in the field, he said.
"We have cooperated with APEC members
on tourism education, exchange management, tourism resort development, and
tourism product improvement," he said. He noted that China not only wants
foreigners to visit the country, but also Chinese people make overseas tours.
At the one-day meeting with the theme "Promoting APEC Tourism
Cooperation for Common Prosperity," ministers responsible for tourism from APEC
economies mainly discuss issues on assuring safety and security for tourists,
developing sustainable tourism, and improving tourism infrastructure and
products.
APEC has 21 member economies, including China, the
United States, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Australia, which account for more
than a third of the world's population and over 41 percent of world
trade. (For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)
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