30 Mayors of world-famous tourist cities are gathering in west China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to discuss the development of tourism in the 21st century.

An official of the China Tourism Association says that tourism has seen rapid development since China opened up to the world, and the urban tourism sector has greatly contributed to this.

He added, however, that more work should be done to improve the urban environment to create favorable conditions for the development of China's tourism industry.

The attendees came to China to participate in the 2004 International Mayors Forum for Tourism in Xinjiang.

(Chinabroadcast.cn July 16, 2004)