Chinese travel agencies have opened up a variety of new routes for the Labor Day vacation which is to end on Tuesday.

Hu Shuwei, an official with China Travel International Ltd., said that Chinese tourists have been permitted to travel to New Zealand for several years. In order to attract more people, the company promoted an unique trip to the location where the film The Lord of the Rings was shot, so that tourists could enjoy the beauty of New Zealand while recalling the scenes from the film.

"Providing customized service is our aim," said Feng Shaofei, general manager of Dong Hua Travel Agency.

His agency developed more active programs for those who wanted to try something new, such as sea fishing.

Since May 1, Chinese travelers have been allowed to go Egypt and Turkey. Wang Xinjun, assistant general manager of Comfort Travel Agency, said they have received many people who want to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx. The first group of Chinese tourists to Turkey will receive bundles of flowers presented by Wang's Turkish colleagues when they arrive the country by air, he added.

Shen Jianxiang, executive general manager of China Merchants International Travel Co., Ltd., said "This year is the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations. We are organizing a photo competition entitled Japan in My Eyes. Those who travel with our company will be able to take part."

Experts pointed out that since China joined the World Trade Organization, Chinese travel agencies have quickened their pace of opening up.

The decision of the Chinese government to allow one to three international travel agencies to be conducting business in China by the end of 2002 will give more pressure to domestic agencies, they said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2002)