China becomes world's third largest tourist destination

Beijing, Mar 17 (ANI): China has now become the world's third-largest tourist destination, according to a report.

Shao Qiwei, head of China National Tourism Administration revealed that the country received 135 million inbound travelers in 2011.

Qiwei also said that China has seen a rapid growth in outbound travel and has become highly significant in sustaining the growth of global tourism, The Xinhua reports.

He said that Chinese people made a total of 70.25 million visits to other countries or regions in 2011, making it the biggest source of outbound tourists in Asia.

According to the World Tourism rankings, compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, France is the world's top tourist destination with 76.80 million international tourists arrivals, while the US is at second position with 59.75 million tourists arrivals. (ANI)