China tapped as rising tourism star

China is one of the top three countries likely to become a major tourist destination in the next five years, according to the FutureBrand Country Brand Index 2007.

Established by FutureBrand, a New York-based consultancy, the index is compiled on the results of a survey of more than 2,600 frequent international travelers from seven countries, aged between 21 and 65.

China did not make it onto the top 10 country brand list, which is intended to measure countries' reputations. However, it ranks among the top five in several other categories, such as the "rising star" in tourism, history, authenticity and business.