Tourism Should Boldly Face WTO ChallengesIn face of China's forthcoming entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), it will be a mistake to protect the country's tourism industry by policies, a National Tourism Administration (NTA) official said.Speaking at a forum in Fuzhou of East China's Fujian, STA Planing, Development and Finance Bureau chief Wei Xiaoan affirmed that tourism workers should forge a positive attitude towards WTO challenges, adding that only the most backward industry resorts to state protection. "Simple protection will only lead to more backwardness,'' he said. He added that there will be no benefit if the state sets up more limits to tourism industry, which had been opened a long time ago. Wei admitted, after entering WTO, those less-opened industries will encounter more pressure and challenges. Some travel agencies in "small, undisciplined,weak and disappointing" stage will meet most difficulties, he said, adding that they should take immediate action and implement reforms. As for those service industries including hotels, transportation, commerce and scenery spots, he said, huge business chances await. The correct understanding of those challenges will offer a clear reform idea for tourism officials, Wei concluded. |
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