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China's total income from tourism is predicted to reach 600 billion yuan (75 billion US dollars) in 2003, up 8.5 percent from 2002.

The goal for 2003 is to receive 100 million inbound tourists, including 14 million foreigners, said He Guangwei, chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). Foreign tourism income is expected to reach 21.5 billion US dollars. Domestic travelers will reach 900 million, with domestic tourism generating income of 425 billion yuan (53 billion US dollars).

China would further promote inbound tourism in 2003, seeking tourists especially from the United States, Germany and India, He said during the CNTA's three-day annual meeting in Hangzhou that opened on Wednesday. China would also boost tourism cooperation with developed countries to strengthen friendly relations with them.

The 15th meeting of the World Tourism Organization will be held for the first time in China from October 17 to 24 this year. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan, over 70 government ministers and 1,000 industry representatives will attend the meeting. He said the meeting would provide a good opportunity for China to show its latest tourism achievements.

The theme for 2003 tourism is "cuisine travel". Different areas of China will explore typical tourism products under this theme.
China will also promote the broader growth of domestic tourism and improve service quality.