The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) said Sunday that hundreds of people from China's tourism circles will hold promotion activities in the eastern part of the United States.

"The promotion, starting June 15 and lasting for two weeks, will consist of several big vans touring eight cities while introducing to the public China's history and culture, as well as its soaring modern economy," said Zhu Shanzhong, deputy director of CNTA's Marketing and Communications Department.

During that period, senior CNTA officials will visit their counterparts at the U.S. Tourism Association to discuss further Sino-U.S. tourism cooperation. Several Chinese backbone tourism enterprises will also have talks with American companies.

In addition, the CNN television company will interview CNTA officials. And the media of eight cities, including Chicago, New York and Miami, will cover related events. Both the New York Times and Leaders will carry special reports on Chinese tourism.

In 2000, some 896,200 Americans visited China, up 21.7 percent compared with the previous year. So far, the American market ranks fourth in the number of overseas tourists traveling to China, according to the latest survey.

Zhu said that tourism will help the Chinese and American peoples enhance their mutual understanding, and thus promote economic and trade exchanges.

(People's Daily 06/03/2001)