BEIJING - Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan said on Monday that the country would strive to develop tourism into a strategic pillar industry of the nation's economy over the 12th Five-Year Plan period from 2011 until 2015.

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Wang made the remarks at a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA).

The tourism industry, which led the economy in recovering from the financial crisis, has become a driver of the global economy, he said.

Furthermore, China possesses unsurpassed tourism resources, with its 5,000-year history and beautiful landscape. Now the country's tourism industry has stepped into a golden era of rapid development, Wang noted.

The Chinese government would accelerate tourism management reforms, give full play to the fundamental role of the market in resource allocation and strive to establish a unified, open, competitive and orderly tourism market, he said.

Wang added that China would promote the sustainable development of the tourism industry, foster qualified professionals and enhance cooperation with other countries over the next five years.

Founded in 1951, APTA comprises 17 Asia-Pacific countries and regions. Its role is to promote the sustainable development of the region's tourism industry.