"We welcome the Chinese people to Cuba," said Marta Maiz, Cuban vice tourism minister in Beijing Thursday.

Maiz was here to sign a memorandum of understanding with the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). "As the first tourist destination on the American continent approved to accept Chinese tourist delegations, Cuba invites the Chinese people to enjoy the sunshine and the Caribbean Sea. We hope tourism can promote exchanges in areas such as the economy and culture," she said.

"We are capable of hosting Chinese tourists," she said, adding that Cuba will train more Chinese-speaking guides and cook food according to Chinese tastes.

She expressed the hope that direct flights will be opened between the two nations. Cuba is talking with German Lufthansa Airlines and Air France to facilitate the Chinese tourists.

Cuba will increase promotions in China to attract potential customers, including publishing Chinese language brochures, attending China's international tourism fairs and opening a tourism representative office.

Over 6,000 Chinese went to Cuba last year. The number will increase dramatically in a few years, Maiz said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2003)