Tourism authorities will subsidize Yangtze River Delta Region tour agencies which take students to scientific sites there.

Next year agencies which arrange travel for more than 50,000 students a year to scientific scenic spots, such as the Shanghai Science and Technical Museum, will be able to apply for the subsidies of 100,000 yuan (US$13,513), said the Shanghai Tourism Administrative Commission.

"We want more young people from Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces to expand their knowledge by traveling to the city and gain scientific knowledge in preparation for the 2010 World Expo," said Zhu Chengrong, deputy director of the commission.

The commission also released two sample scientific tourism itineraries yesterday. The Shanghai Sunqiao Agricultural Development Area, the Sheshan National Forest Park and most local museums are included in the itineraries.

To meet the subsidy criteria, tour products must have high quality and tour guides with sufficient knowledge. They must be able to explain scientific facts to students of different ages, agencies said.

(Shanghai Daily December 20, 2007)