China handled 10,465 complaints about poor service by travel agencies from tourists in 2006, up 49.03 percent year on year, the latest statistics from the State Tourism Administration (STA) showed.

The surging number of complaints highlighted the necessity to further rectify the tourist market order and build up a contingent of qualified professionals in the sector, according to the STA.

More than 60 percent of the complaints were targeted at travel agencies, which were condemned for poor service quality, changing traveling routes without noticing tourists and provide irresponsible guides.

Other complaints went to restaurants, scenic spots and transportation.

According to the NTA, China is expected to become the world No.1 tourist destination country by 2017.

Source: Xinhua