The 2013 national work conference on tourism markets took place in the city of Hefei, Anhui province, on June 25, with the main areas of discussion being legal documents, results of last year's tourism market, current market trends, and work for the second-half of this year, and next year.

The vice-president of the National Tourism Administration, Zhu Shanzhong, reported on the Chinese tourism industry and how it has developed at a healthy pace. Zhu went on to say that the Outline of National Tourism and Leisure and the Tourism Law have played an important role in developing the tourism business.

However he also pointed out that, the industry also faces serious challenges, such as rising prices, unsatisfactory service and quality, irrational tourism spending and the sluggish world economy.

Dealing with these problems, Zhu says, requires an accurate understanding of the current market situation, and, even more important, making full use of publicity for the tourism market and maintaining steady growth of three areas – foreign visitors, Chinese going abroad, and domestic tourists.

Also taking part in the conference were delegates from the cities of Beijing and Shanghai, the provinces of Anhui and Hunan and elsewhere.

By Guo Chang

Edited by Roger Bradshaw