China has just beaten tourism giant Italy and is ranked fourth in the number of visitors. According to statistics from the World Tourism Organization (WTO)'s 2004 report (PDF), 41.8 million people visited China last year, while Italy had 37.1 million visitors.
China has long been seen as a mysterious, exotic nation. From the earliest traveler, Marco Polo, to modern-day backpackers, travelers have always seen China as the place to go. Though China had once closed its borders to the West, recent statistical results published by the China National Tourist Office show China cordially welcomes Western visitors.
In 2004, the number of foreign visitors grew by 48 percent compared with the previous year, with over 16 million more travelers. And according to WTO statistics published in January 2005, the Asia and Pacific region saw an increase of 50 percent (34 million) in 2004. In other words, China's tourism growth counted for almost half the increase of the entire region.
The increasing number of foreign tourists indicates the popularity of Chinese destinations. But what triggered the sudden tourist boom in China?
Geopolitical factors may be responsible. China's political environment has changed and the country has transformed itself to connect with Western countries. Along with swelling economic growth, infrastructure has been built and the transportation network is well linked, making travel more accessible and convenient.
Increasing commercial activity between China and the West has drawn businessmen to China, not only for business but for pleasure as well. And friendly prices for accommodations and food compared with Western destinations has also helped raise China's standing. Italy, however, is losing its competitiveness because of the higher expense of travel within the country, as well as for accommodations.
As a vast country, China is a place for explorers to experience a diverse culture. Plus, intact natural beauty and rural scenery make for a unique and distinct destination for foreign explorers.
In recent years, new attractions have been marketed by the Chinese government to draw more tourists, including historical sites and rural areas where minority populations are living. Although these attractions have brought economic benefit to the government, there is a price to pay.
The lack of exploration regulations have led to the deterioration of the environment and exploitation of natural beauty. Travelers have disturbed the lives of rural and minority peoples; their once peaceful and simple lifestyles are no longer as the people themselves have become a part of the attraction. This endangers the indigenous cultures. In addition, scenic areas have been polluted with rubbish and the construction of hotels has damaged the natural environment and aesthetic beauty.
With the 2008 Olympics approaching, the number of tourists is predicted to grow on a much larger scale. But facing overwhelming numbers of tourists and underlying problems, is China ready? |
