Tourism is now generally regarded as one of the most important economic， social and cultural influences of modern times. As one of the largest and the fastest growing industries， tourism is a large and dynamic business in the whole world. Take China for example， its international tourism receipts were 12，074.14 million in US dollars and international arrivals rose up to 7. 428 million in 1997. Moreover tourism has been one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Indeed，the growth rate of tourism has generally exceeded that for the worldwide economy. According to the statistics released by WTO，receipts from international tourism have increased by an average of 9 percent annually for the past 16 years to reach US $423 billion in 1996. And during the same period， international arrivals rose by a yearly average of 4. 6 percent to reach 594 million in 1997. WTO forecasts that international arrivals will top 700 million by the year 2000 and one billion by 2010. Like wise， earnings are predicted to grow to US $ 1，550 billion by 2010. Sometimes it seems as though a new resort area，a new hotel，or a new theme park springs up every day. Since tourism necessarily involves travel，a tourist is usually defined as a person who is visiting some place other than his usual residence for more than 24 hours. A tourist is distinguished by the length of his trip from an excursionist， who is away from his usual residence for less than 24 hours. The question of purpose，however，also must enter into the definition of tourism. Many people，especially those on holiday，travel entirely for the purpose of recreation or pleasure. Some people travel for reasons of health. Other people travel to visit friends and relatives，a reason that has become more important because of increased mobility throughout the world. Still others travel in order to educate themselves in accordance with the old precept that travel is broadening of ones mind and experience. All of these people are generally considered tourists since the primary reason for their trips is recreation. Most tourist statistics also include people who are travelling on business. Among them are businessmen and government officials on specific missions， as well as people attending meetings or conventions. Another kind of business travel is the incentive trip. A bonus or reward is given，for example，to a salesman who has exceeded his sales quota. Many people among those travelling on business often combine pleasure with their work. They also use the same transportation，accommodations，and catering facilities as the holiday tourists.