China is becoming an important tourism source nation for Maldives, said Mustafa Lutfi, Minister of Tourism of Maldives.

He said Tuesday that although the number of Chinese tourists to Maldives ranked the third after Japan and the Republic of Korea in Asia, the growth rate is amazing compared with the previous year. China has had continuous economic growth and increasing enthusiasm for overseas trips.

Chinese tourists can enjoy pure sea water, warm sunshine and diving in Maldives. Compared with other southeast Asian nations, a trip to Maldives does not have a price advantage. However, the quality of service is always guaranteed. Many newly-weds chose Maldives as their honeymoon destination, thanks to its peaceful and leisurely atmosphere, he added.

Lutfi said the Maldives tourism ministry will increase their image in China by participating in China's international travel markets as well as helping develop various products with Chinese travel agencies.

He said that after last year's tsunami, the nation's pillar industry mostly recovered. Two new airports will be in operation soon and four new hotels are now under construction. 

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2005)