BEIJING - Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan on Sunday called for a sound and fast development of the nation's tourism industry as he called it "a strategic pillar" of the national economy.

The tourism industry has huge potential, which needs further opening up, reform and innovation. Market should play a fundamental role in allocating the resources, Wang told a meeting of tourism work.

He stressed the diversified needs of customers should be met, and the market order should be standardized to protect customer's legitimate rights.

Related readings:  Fast tracks help boost China's tourism industry  Hebei: tourism revenue to pass 200 billion by 2015  Egypt's revolution could spur tourism  Shanghai to invest 40 billion yuan on tourism

"Local authorities should work together to make tourism a strategic pillar industry," he said.

Wang also noted tour guide forces play a very important role in the industry development. More training should be arranged in the areas of professional skills and ethics, as well as response to emergencies.

The wage and social security system of the work force should also be improved, he said.