The EU nations might open for Chinese tourists as an entity by the end of the year, the Information Times reported, quoting sources with the 15th session of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) General Assembly held in Beijing.

Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou were expected to become the first mainland cities to allow their citizens to visit EU countries, said insiders.

Tour agencies in Guangzhou welcomed the news, saying this could result in an upsurge of out-bound tourists.

The opening of the EU market meant that tour agencies could design package tours allowing tourists to visit several EU countries for about 10,000 (US$1,219), the current price for a tour to Germany, the paper said.

Last year, Germany became the first EU nation to gain approved destination status. The first Chinese tourist group set out for Germany Feb. 15 this year.

Italy, current holder of the EU rotating presidency expressed the hope that the Chinese government would grant approved destination status to all EU nations, Xinhua reported, quoting Giuseppe Galati, vice minister of Production Activities of Italy.

With a long history, rich culture and beautiful scenery, EU nations would warmly welcome Chinese visitors, Galati said Tuesday at the 15th session of the WTO General Assembly.

Galati said many EU nations, including Italy, had accelerated training for Chinese-speaking guides and restaurants were offering more Chinese cuisine.
 

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2003)