China will be among top tourism nations within five years

Chinese National Tourism Administration Director Zhu Shanzhong stated China will be among the top tourism nations within the next five years (People's Daily Online, 19-May-2011). The Global Travel and Tourism Conference commenced in Las Vegas on 17-May-2011 where a number of China issues have been raised including China's economic growth, infrastructure and tourism. US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood stated he is impressed with the high-speed rail systems in Europe and Asia and that the US is working hard to keep up.