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There has been modest growth in tourism worldwide, despite two years of terrorism, war and disease. And China is the engine driving it, according to the World Tourism Organization. International tourist numbers hit a record 702 million last year, a rise of 2.7% over 2001, the year of the September 11 attacks. France remains the most popular destination, receiving more than 77 million visitors, followed by Spain, United States, and Italy. China, however, marked 11% growth over that period, attracting 36.8 million international visitors. It ranks fifth among leading tourism nations. By 2020, it will be top, with predictions of 130 million visitors per year. Chinese themselves are also becoming a major force as travelers. According to a Xinhua report, over 16.6 million Chinese traveled abroad last year, up 37% from the previous year. Their numbers are expected to grow to 30 million by the end of the decade, and 100 million in 2020. |
