On October 24, CNTA Vice Chairman Du Jiang held a meeting with the Australian delegation headed by Deputy Head of Mission Gerald Thomson. The two exchanged ideas on how to strengthen tourism cooperation.

 

Du said, “The decision to launch the China-Australia Tourism Year program this year, the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, jointly made by Chinese Premier and his Australian counterpart, reflects the common aspiration of Chinese and Australian people, and sets the tone for tightening bilateral cooperation in the next step. Since its launch earlier this year, we have staged a wide range of activities, including the group visit by 1,000 Australian tourists to Shaanxi and the panda caravan tour around Australia, etc. We appreciate what the Australian government has done for creating a comfortable, easy environment for Chinese tourists and are willing to work with Australia to encourage more tourism companies to invest in each other’s market, expand two-way tourism exchange and bring bilateral tourism cooperation to a new level.”

 

According to Mr. Thomson, “The success of the tourism year program has generated huge opportunities for bilateral tourism cooperation. This year has seen double-digit growth in the two-way tourism exchange between us. We are vigorously upgrading our infrastructure such as airports and hotels, implementing the multi-entry visa program for Chinese tourists and allow them to submit the visa application online in Chinese. We are working hard to improve our services and ensure Chinese tourists a safe, easy and comfortable travel in Australia. We welcome more Chinese tourists to visit our country.”

 

Also present at the meeting were senior officials from CNTA Department of Tourism Promotion and International Liaison.