Either way, it's the heavyweight in almost any equation, according to the organization, which predicts that by the year 2020 China, with an estimated population in the world, edging out perennial favorites France and Spain. If will also supply a hefty percentage of the world's travelers, particularly to Asian countries, the organization said. In June China and Cambodia standing meant to boost the number of Chinese tourists coming to Cambodia through package tours set up by the Chinese National Tourism Authorities. Chinese tourism officials, however, came to Siem Reap not to scope out the sights but tot tout China as a great place to visit. They brought glossy thick booklets touting the glories of one province or another, from ethnic festivals to stone forest, sand sculptures to hot springs.
China is so vast that it seems more a collection of countries than a single destination.
And while China certainly has its share of tourist attractions, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, its size can be daunting to a tourist. The route will cross 19 countries, some of which offer far more advance tourism facilities than others. Among the goals of the World Tourism Organization will be to upgrade accommodations and handicrafts along the way, so tourists are encouraged to buy native handicrafts rather than buying yet more T-shirts, and villagers will have a stable means of making a living from tourism. One of the biggest hurdles will be coming up with a Silk Road visa that allows tourists to move easily from country to country. But the size and complexity of the project means a great deal of advance work will be necessary.