(Yicai Global) Sept. 13 -- The World Tourism Alliance, the first global, non-government and non-profit tourism organization set up by China, has officially set up headquarters in the country.

The alliance's foundation should boost China's influence in the international tourism industry. Its first General Assembly was held in Chengdu in China's southwestern Sichuan province.

The WTA has 89 founding members, including 21 companies, six associations, one research institution and one media outlet from mainland China, the China Business Herald reported on Sept. 12.

Income from tourism in China reached CNY4.69 trillion (USD718.6 billion) last year, making up 11 percent of gross national economy. The country welcomed 138 million tourists from overseas in the year, bringing in USD120 billion, while 122 million Chinese travelers headed abroad, Li Jinzao, director general of China National Tourism Administration, said at the assembly. China has been the world's largest outbound tourism consumption supplier for four straight years.

The World Tourism Alliance will help promote employment, development and poverty alleviation, Li said. It should strengthen ties with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative and push integrated development of tourism and local industries.

The alliance elected Duan Qiang, chairman of Beijing Tourism Group, to chair the WTA. Duan believes China is turning from a large tourism country into a strong power in the industry.