China is to add more countries to the list of approved foreign travel destinations for its citizens. The list currently includes 29 countries and regions.

Following the 15th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, which closed earlier in Beijing, about 20 more countries have become possible additions to the list. Inclusion on the list is a virtual guarantee of massive tourism revenue, as increasing numbers of China's rising middle class look to more exotic destinations.

One of the busiest men during the week long World Tourism Organization meeting was probably Gu Zhaoxi, deputy director of China's National Tourism Administration. With more than 100 tourism ministers from around the world, there is a lot to be negotiated. One of the most frequently touched issues is China's Approved Destination Status, known as ADS.

"There are more than 100 ministers attended this meeting and I have talked to 22 of them, most are interested in ADS. I think, it is because, they see China not only as future destination country, but also a great potential sources of visitors," said Gu Zhaoxi.

During this meeting, three more countries including Jordan, Mongolia and Canada have became approved destination countries for Chinese tourists, bringing the total to 29 so far. The meeting also confirmed that an agreement between the EU and China may soon come into effect. Representatives from EU member countries are reacting positively on the new development.

Outbound journeys by Chinese people have been increasing at a rate of over 30% yearly for the past few years, taking last year's figures to over 16 million. Tourism officials are hoping that China will further expand the ADS list.

Industry insiders do not expect a dramatic increase in European tours, but are optimistic about steady growth over the long term.

(CCTV.com October 27, 2003)