China's tourism consumption, investment, government spending and exports will rise 14 percent to 2.77 trillion yuan(US$354 billion) this year, the council President Jean Claude Baumgarten said.

The figure will grow 8.7 percent annually from 2007 to 2016, making China the second-fastest growing tourism country.

Spending by inbound international travelers is expected to hit 588 billion yuan this year.

Tourism is expected to contribute 2.9 percent of the country's gross domestic product this year, and combined contribution of tourism-related industries will account for 13.7 percent of total GDP.

China's tourism will also bring more than 17 million jobs this year, and employment associated with tourism will reach more than 77 million.

The council recommended that China should extend vacations by two weeks, develop more budget hotels and enhance English language skills.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)