On August 11, CNTA Vice Chairman Du Jiang held working talks with Ms. Marion Calvino, adviser to Panamanian President. The two exchanged views on Panama’s application for the status of outbound destination for Chinese group tours and on deepening China-Panama tourism cooperation. 

 

Du welcomed the guests on behalf of CNTA Chairman Li Jinzao. He said, “The official establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Panama in June this year was a milestone in our bilateral relations. Tourism is an important way to promote people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding.” He welcomed Panama’s application for the status of outbound destination for Chinese group tours and suggested the Panamanian side intensifying publicity efforts in China to build up its image and reputation as a tourist destination. He also hoped that Panama would develop more tourism products catered to Chinese tourists, simplify visa procedures, strengthen training of Chinese-speaking tour guides, and create a more convenient, friendlier environment for Chinese tourists. He also welcomed Panamanian tourists to visit China. 

 

Marion Calvino introduced the latest tourism development in Panama and added, “Panama is conveniently located and richly endowed with tourism resources and has strong appeal to Chinese tourists. My government highly values the Chinese market and would like to work closely with China to lure more Chinese visitors to Panama.”

 

The two were accompanied by senior officials from CNTA Department of Tourism Promotion and International Liaison and Department of Quality Standardization and Supervision as well as Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Panama Immigration.