BEIJING—The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that CNTA Chairman Shao Qiwei will lead the inaugural Chinese ADS group will travel to USA on June 17. Chinese leisure travelers may travel to the United States in group tours under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by both countries as anounced of Jan. 2008

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez said: "This MOU opens China's growing market to U.S. travel and tourism industries. Now, more Chinese visitors can experience America's hospitality, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. Increased visitation from China will boost overall visitation to the United States, strengthen the relationship between our nations, and forge new friendships between our peoples."

"We very happily note that under the joint efforts of both China and the United States, tourism cooperation between the two countries is moving toward a new stage. The launch of business for Chinese group leisure travel to the United States will continuously expand promotion of China-U.S. tourism interaction and push the broadening of exchange and cooperation between the two countries in economic, cultural and air services arenas, among others," CNTA Chairman Shao Qiwei said.

Industry reaction was strong. Bruce Bommarito, TIA's Executive Vice President and COO commented, "TIA is very happy about the progress in this area and believes that it will impact Chinese travel to the US greatly."

Currently, the United States is China's fourth largest source of tourists. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), China is the fastest growing travel market in the world. By 2020, China will become the world's fourth largest source of tourists.

On average, Chinese citizens spend more during their stay than visitors from other countries. In 2006, average per visitor spending by Chinese citizens travelling to the United States was more than $6,000.