Hungary expects to host more Chinese tourists, said visiting Hungarian officials.

Hungarian tourism circles have made full preparations for receiving Chinese tourists, including training more Chinese-speaking guides, and catering to Chinese needs in hotels and restaurants, said Gabor Galla, chief executive officer of the Hungarian Tourism Bureau.

The Hungarian national airline company has discussed resuming direct flights with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC).

Located in the heart of Europe, Hungary had rich tourism resource including eight world heritage sites, according to visiting Hungarian officials.

The development of tourism can shorten the distance between different nations and peoples, promote economic exchanges, and enhance cultural understanding. The signing of a tourism cooperation agreement between the two nations here Thursday will provide more convenience to Chinese tourists, said Bela Pal, state secretary of the Hungarian Economy and Transport Ministry.

So far, the Chinese government has granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) to 28 nations and regions, allowing groups of Chinese tourists to travel there. Hungary will be the first ADS nation in central and eastern Europe.

Over 16 million Chinese tourists went abroad last year. According to the World Tourism Organization, China will become the fourth tourism source nation by 2020, with 100 million Chinese going abroad.

(People's Daily August 29, 2003)