Pacific Asia Travel Association (”PATA“) writes:
The first tour group from China to the US under a bilateral travel agreement signed in December 2007 arrived in the US last week. The group, led by China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Chairman Shao Qiwei was welcomed by the US Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.
Chinese travel to the US (where the average visitor spends about US$6,000) is expected to grow 13.2% per year on average until 2010, according to PATA’s latest forecasts. In 2007, a little under 400,000 Chinese visited the US. By 2010, PATA expects the number of Chinese trips to the US to reach around 530,000 annually.
The arrival of the group was celebrated at a gala reception in Washington DC, hosted by Travel Industry Association (TIA) President and CEO Roger Dow, National Tour Association (NTA) Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, and NTA President Lisa Simon.
“This welcome event marks the beginning of a great time for the US,” said Ms Simon. “We have the opportunity to boost the US economy and project a welcoming image to these visitors.”
“Welcoming Chinese visitors to the US will increase understanding and facilitate ‘people-to-people’ diplomacy,” said Mr Dow.
PATA Director - North America Barbara Bryant said: “PATA applauds the US Department of Commerce initiative in facilitating the China-USA Travel MOU and the co-operation of TIA and NTA in welcoming these visitors.”
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