/Smog-in-China.jpg?n=6055&tr=w-160%2Ch-90%2Cfo-auto "Smog in China")
Smog in China
"Since the first quarter of 2012, the number of inbound tourists has been down for nine consecutive quarters both on an annual and quarterly basis, and there is no sign that it will bounce back soon," said Dai Bin, head of the academy.
A new report from the China Tourism Academy blames issues such as air pollution for a slump in inbound tourism.
The number of inbound tourists reached 129.08 million in 2013, down 2.51 percent year-on-year, the report said.
About 75.4% of inbound tourists were satisfied with their visits in 2013, down 11.4% compared with the previous year.
Some tourists from overseas expressed dissatisfaction with the water supply, air quality and barrier-free facilities, China Daily reported.
"Since the first quarter of 2012, the number of inbound tourists has been down for nine consecutive quarters both on an annual and quarterly basis, and there is no sign that it will bounce back soon," said Dai Bin, head of the academy.
"China's inbound tourism market is in a grave situation unseen before."
"Besides the economic situation and international relationships, issues of weather, environment and terrorism have cast a shadow on the industry."
Some tourists from overseas expressed dissatisfaction with the water supply, air quality and barrier-free facilities, China Daily reported.
Quoted by China Daily, Jia Zhirong, deputy general manager of Lvmama, an online travel service provider in Shanghai, said: "Overseas visitors will not consider travelling to a destination with a potential health risks.
"Besides, the reason overseas visitors found China attractive is the natural beauty of lakes, mountains and ancient architecture. With heavy smog, it is very difficult for them to enjoy that."