China will become the world's biggest inbound tourism nation by 2019, one year earlier than the World Tourism Organization predicted.

Shao Qiwei, director general of China National Tourism Administration said here Tuesday that China's inbound visitors will grow by eight percent in next five years and foreign currency income will increase at an annual rate of 12 percent. Thus, he added, China will receive some 137 million inbound travelers by 2019.

China's tourism will enjoy more favorable conditions for development in next five years, including the growth of national economy, information technology and infrastructure improvement, he acknowledged, adding that the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai World Expo will provide more opportunities for China's tourism.

Source: Xinhua