The figures revealed that domestic tourism is still sustainable while inbound tourism has declined amid the global economic downturn.

According to China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), China recorded a total tourism revenue of approximately over US$169 billion in 2008, a 5.8% year-on-year increase.

This tourism revenue includes US$127.9 billion generated from domestic travellers and US$41.6 billion from international travellers, compared to US$113.6 billion and US$45.8 billion, respectively, in 2007.

In 2008, China welcomed approximately 130 million inbound travellers, including those from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, a 1.4% drop compared to 2007.

Despite the global economic crisis, China's outbound tourism improved to 45.8 million outbound tours in 2008, an 11.9% increase compared to 2007, due mainly to the yuan appreciation of the Chinese yuan which increased Chinese citizens' purchasing power.

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