BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's tourism sector is expected to reap a golden harvest during the upcoming National Day holiday in early October.

    Industry income for the holiday is forecast to increase 25 percent year on year.

    Figures from China Tourism Academy (CTA) said Tuesday the sector's income is expected to top 100 billion yuan (14.64 billion U.S. dollars) during the eight-day holiday starting Oct. 1.

    Domestic tourist population this year is expected to top 200 million, representing an increase of 13 percent over the same period last year.

    The tourists' average consumption is expected to be about 500 yuan, up from 448 yuan in 2008, said the CTA.

    The gradual recovery of China's economy coupled with government efforts to expand domestic consumption has boosted the development of the sector.

    China's tourism industry on average makes up 4 percent of the country's gross domestic product, said the National Tourism Administration.

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