Guideline a shot in the arm for tourism sector

The guideline to promote tourism that was approved by the State Council, China's Cabinet, in late July has invited wide public attention, because many believe the focus on increasing investments in the tourism sector will boost the tourism market and thus drive economic growth.

The tourism sector has become increasingly important to the national economy, and the authorities have made great efforts for its development. While increasing China's foreign exchange reserves, the booming tourism sector has also raised "tourism awareness" among Chinese people and prompted the authorities to protect people's right to travel.

The importance the central government attaches to tourism development and the efforts of the tourism authorities have laid a solid economic and social foundation for the sector. In particular, a 2014 State Council document that listed tourism as an integral part of the modern services sector and made boosting tourism-related consumption a key task of government work has injected a new vitality into the tourism industry.