China's tourism recorded a rapid growth of 400.2 billion yuan (about 48 billion US dollars) in 1999, increasing 16.4 percent on a yearly basis.

Overseas tourists accounted for 14.1 billion US dollars in foreign exchange.

Speaking at a national conference on tourism being held here, He Guangwei, director of the National Tourism Administration, attributed the rapid growth to better administration and the promotional campaign.

As the Asian economy started to recover from the financial crisis last year, tourism in China picked up quickly. China's tourism saw two-digit growth in the Japanese, Russian, German and French market last year and strong growth in Asia as well.

Official statistics show that China received 72.8 million overseas arrivals last year, up 14.7 percent on an annual basis. At the same time, China's tourism market developed rapidly, recording an annual income of 283.1 billion yuan, increasing 18 percent from the previous year.

Chinese now have a total of ten days off during New Year, National Day, the Spring Festival and May Day according to last year's new regulations. As a result, they can plan longer vacations.

The Kunming World Horticulture Exposition between May and October last year attracted 9.4 million tourists from home and abroad.

New regulations have also helped to greatly promote the industry, said He Guangwei.