Brazil, Argentina and Chile have been approved by the Chinese government as Chinese group tourist destinations, according to the latest news from China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). Cuba was approved as a Chinese travelers destination last year.

With no direct flights between China and South America, package prices to the three nations will be quite high. The current price to Cuba within seven days cost more than 20,000 yuan (US$2000) in local travel agencies.

Brazil's rainforest and Samba dance, Chile's volcanoes and Easter Island, and Argentina's Moreno Glacier are expected to attract Chinese travelers.

Chinese travel agencies will organize groups only after CNTA reaches a consensus with those three nations in visa procedure and local guide issues. Travelers can fly there via Europe or North America.

According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), China is among the top ten overseas tourist consumption markets. Last year, more than 20 million Chinese travelers went abroad, passing Japan to rank first in Asia for the first time. The WTO has predicted China will become the world's fourth biggest tourism source nation by 2020.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2004)