Yunnan's first-half tourism revenue hits 41.5 bln

According to statistics released by Yunnan province's tourism bureau, tourism revenues rose 13.2% year on year to 41.5 billion yuan in the first half of 2010.

In the period from January to June, the number of inbound tourists reached 2.89 million, up 13.5% year on year, and the foreign exchange earnings from tourism were USD537 million, up 12.2% from the previous year.

Figures also showed that the number of domestic tourists increased 16.5% year on year to 67.09 million in the first half of 2010, and the tourism revenues from the domestic market rose 13.6% to a total of 37.89 billion yuan.

The provincial government has said that it aims to generate 90 billion yuan in tourism revenues in 2010, representing a year-on-year growth of 15%.

The promotion of the high-end tourism market is a priority for the Chinese government in 2010.

Source: China Hospitality, September 3, 2010