Chinese vice premier calls on G20 countries to expand tourism market

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang Friday called on G20 countries to expand the global tourism market and help drive economic recovery.

In his address to the 7th G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting held in Beijing, Wang said the meeting is an important platform for G20 members to enhance tourism cooperation.

Wang spoke highly of the achievements G20 members have made in areas including visa facilitation, tourism investment, and international tourism statistics since the first meeting was held in 2010.

He said expanded tourism cooperation among G20 members has made remarkable contributions to employment, self-employment and poverty reduction worldwide.

The theme of the meeting, "Sustainable Tourism -- An Effective Tool for Inclusive Development," reflects the high expectations all sides have for tourism and inclusive development, he said.

The vice premier called on all G20 countries to ease visa restrictions, simplify entry and departure procedures, improve policies on customs clearance, duty-free shopping, tax refunds and currency exchange to expand the tourism market and add impetus to the world economic recovery.

He encouraged giving full play to the advantages of the tourism industry in boosting employment so more people may benefit from tourism development.

China is willing to share its experience in the field, including "Internet plus" tourism, rural tourism and other areas, said Wang.

The meeting was co-hosted by the China National Tourism Administration and the World Tourism Organization. Endi