Innovation has drawn much attention in the global tourism industry in recent decades. Governments，particularly those in developed countries，have attached importance to innovative practice and researches in tourism field. EU，UNWTO and other international organizations have made efforts on promoting tourism innovation. Meanwhile，the academic research on tourism innovation has been deepened gradually. After a significant growth in the last three decades，China’s tourism is on the turning point from factor input-driven growth model to an innovation-driven growth model. Within this context，it is highly necessary to realize the importance of tourism innovation，consequently establish a well-organized tourism innovation system. Government should play a crucial role on this progress.