In the Government Work Report this year, Premier Li Keqiang pointed out the development direction for the tourism industry in the coming years. He said the government will ensure people are able to take their paid vacations, improve the facilities at scenic spots and tourist sites and recreational vehicle parks, and usher in a new era of mass tourism.

In 2015, Chinese residents made more than 4 billion domestic trips, and the overall revenues from tourism were more than 4 trillion yuan ($615 billion), which indicates that China has already stepped into a new era of mass tourism.

Mass tourism is not only conducive to the prosperity of China's tourism industry and a boost to the economy, Chinese tourists abroad also promote friendly communication between China and the outside world.

China's tourism industry faces great opportunities and challenges in the new era of mass tourism. Better tourism products and services are needed, and places with popular tourist attractions should improve their services and management. Meanwhile, the government should enable paid vacations to ensure people have enough time to travel.

(China Daily 03/15/2016 page8)