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China’s landmark document is meant to fuel domestic tourism, but the decision to increase paid holidays will further drive outbound travel and continue Chinese tourists’ rise in importance abroad.
If there was ever doubt that China is the next global powerhouse in the tourism industry, there’s no need to wonder any more.
The State Council of China released a report earlier this week, The Outline for National Tourism and Leisure (2013-2020), that outlines its goal to develop a thriving tourism industry.
Initiatives covered in the report include opening public museums and parks for free, improving tourism transportation, diversifying tourism activities available to citizens, and improving the quality of service available in the hospitality industry.
In particular, the report focuses on official efforts aimed at giving Chinese citizens enough time to travel. The government will encourage companies to increase paid holidays for Chinese workers and encourage schools to adjust winter and summer holidays.
This is a move that has the potential to fuel tourism at home and abroad.
Chinese workers currently have the lowest number of vacation days in the world and only 15 days off a year including federal holidays.
A translation of the The Outline for National Tourism and Leisure (2013-2020) issued by the State Council of China is below.
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Photo credit: Tourists visit DisneyLand Resort in Hong Kong. Ishak J / Flickr