Beginning later this month, Beijing travelers will be able to receive a visa to Singapore one day after applying.

The process has also been simplified for applicants and now requires only an ID card and passport to complete the procedure.

The new policy is in place for 12 other cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

Currently, business, training and schools are the three main reasons people visit Singapore.

The government estimates Chinese tourists' consumption will rise 10 percent every year between now and 2010.

(CRI.com May 15, 2004)