China promotes rural tourism

China's Ministry of Agriculture and the China National Tourism Administration have signed a cooperation framework agreement to jointly promote the development of leisure farming and rural tourism in China. The two parties will jointly organize a series of activities featuring "national happy rural tours" each year starting 2010.

Two parties have agreed to launch the leisure farming and rural tourism demonstration program across China to guide and drive the development of the industry. Through three to five years of effort, there will be a batch of demonstration prefectures, towns, villages, and enterprises, making a map for key leisure farming and rural tourism products in the country as a guidance for consumers.

Meanwhile, two sides will support influential local festivals and meetings to attract the attention and support of society, especially consumers, for leisure farming and rural tourism. Additionally they will encourage the development of industrial associations, support social institutions to serve leisure farming and rural tourism, and establish a comprehensive leisure farming and rural tourism service system.

The MOA and CNTA will set up a leading group to coordinate and formulate policies to promote the development of leisure farming and rural tourism, enhance cooperation in gaining financial support and organizing important events, and creating a good external environment for the sustainable and healthy development of leisure farming and rural tourism.