Nationwide tourism plan discussed

The central government said yesterday it is considering a series of fiscal measures to promote tourism, particularly in the less developed interior regions.

The National Development and Reform Commission, in a joint statement with the National Tourism Administration, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance and the People's Bank of China, said a series of measures will be taken to upgrade the nation's tourism industry, with special focus on the less developed west and central areas and the rust-belt industrial regions in the northeast.

The statement said the government is considering the introduction of tax incentives and subsidized micro-credit loans to companies for the development of tourism and training of professionals.