2003-2005 China Tourism Development: Analysis and Forecast No.4 (1)

Author: Zhang Guangrui et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The fourth edition of the "Green Book of Tourism" has been published, slightly later than in previous years. While this edition maintains a similar framework, it has undergone significant adjustments in content, incorporating the collective research findings of the Tourism Research Center. In addition to the main report setting the tone for the book, a new feature has been added: an analysis of hot tourism issues in China in 2004 by the Institute of Tourism Research at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. This work highlights not the selection or ranking of hot tourism issues in China in 2004, but rather a review of the most notable events of the past year and an evaluation of some trend-setting developments, reflecting the views of the Tourism Research Center on these issues. Although the final report was written by a dedicated author, the selection, analysis, and evaluation of these hot issues were the result of extensive research and discussion among the team, involving 15 participants over more than four weeks. This approach is a first for us and can be seen as an exploration. We plan to continue this practice, at least publishing an annual report, and hope to make it more open to broader participation in the future.
During the compilation of this "Green Book of Tourism," we also explored a new approach by highlighting specific themes and focusing on issues of shared concern, aiming to provide clearer, deeper, and more comprehensive discussions. For example, regional cooperation, though not a new topic, made breakthrough progress in this year's edition. We specifically invited scholars and practitioners with expertise in this area to analyze it from multiple perspectives. Some issues, while not particularly prominent annually, are better understood when discussed together, helping readers grasp the bigger picture and the connections between them. For instance, the article on tourism and the "Three Rural Issues" covers rural areas as regions, agriculture as an industry, and farmers as consumers; it touches on tourism resources, products, and markets. More importantly, it addresses industrial restructuring in national economic development, the scientific development concept in regional economies, and the role of tourism in promoting a harmonious society. From this perspective, the significance of exploring the relationship between tourism and the "Three Rural Issues" is self-evident.
Unlike general academic, the "Green Book of Tourism" is primarily composed of research reports. However, it differs from government research reports in that it emphasizes academic research and theoretical discussions. Some articles include theoretical exploration and analysis, such as whether the long-standing portrayal of tourism as an "export-oriented industry" has changed after more than 20 years of development, or whether such a change is necessary. Amidst the widespread praise for outbound tourism in China, are there alternative perspectives? Some events and controversies related to World Heritage sites reflect deeper contradictions. Such questions are thoroughly addressed in the relevant research reports.
A special mention should be made of the review of tourism development in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Over the years, we have changed authors to provide different perspectives on the tourism development of these three special regions, which may appear relatively stable. Even when the same author contributes, they strive to offer fresh angles and insights, avoiding mere updates of annual data and figures. I believe that readers who have been following the "Green Book of Tourism" annually will notice these thoughtful efforts.
This book is a report on the development of tourism in China, but we have not limited its authors to mainland China. Each edition includes several articles on the development of overseas tourism destinations or features discussions by foreign experts on topics related to Chinese tourism. On one hand, we hope to gain insights into the development of Chinese tourism through the eyes of foreign researchers. On the other hand, we aim to introduce successful international experiences in a targeted manner, hoping to achieve the effect of "learning from others to improve oneself."
During the compilation of this edition, we conducted an open call for contributions through the "Journal of Tourism Studies," which received positive responses from many scholars. We are deeply grateful for this support and have included several selected articles in the book. Unfortunately, only a limited number of manuscripts were ultimately adopted, perhaps due to unclear expectations about the book's requirements or issues related to formatting and content. This does not reflect the intrinsic value of the articles themselves. We would like to clarify this and hope for continued contributions, especially from industry professionals, in the future. However, we do have a request: once an article is selected, authors should refrain from submitting it to other publications, a request we believe is easily understood.
Like previous editions, the publication of this "Green Book of Tourism" has been supported by the leadership of the Institute of Finance and Trade at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and relevant departments. It is the result of the collective efforts of all members of the Tourism Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. As executive editor Liu Deqian and associate editor Song Rui have devoted significant effort to the planning, coordination, and editing of the book to ensure its perfection. President Xie Shuguang of Social Sciences Academic Press has consistently supported the compilation of the book, providing enthusiastic assistance and numerous conveniences. Director Zhang Dawei and the editorial team at the "" editorial office have made positive efforts to ensure the timely publication of the book.
As this book approaches publication, we have been reflecting on a crucial question: how to keep the "Green Book of Tourism" fresh and dynamic, preventing it from quickly entering a "decline phase" like some other products. We will work diligently and continuously strive for improvement, and we also hope that readers will share their suggestions and feedback through various channels, allowing the "Green Book of Tourism" to keep pace with the times.