The Association of Trans-Himalayan Tour Operators Nepal, an organization which will hold different tourism activities in Nepal for Chinese tourists and Nepalese tourists in China, was set up in Kathmandu on Sunday.

It is the first non-governmental organization in the field of tourism industry of Nepal which aims to work for the promotion of Nepal-China relationship.

The seven-member association aims to increase the exchange of tourists activity between the two countries and facilitate the Chinese tourists by providing security and reliable services in Nepal.

Inaugurating the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Sun Heping noted that there are many cooperation opportunities between Nepal and China in the field of tourism.

Nepal had become Chinese tourists' first destination in South Asia, but due to the adverse situation in Nepal, the number of Chinese tourists could not be increased at present, Sun said.

At the same occasion, Nepalese Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Buddhi Raj Bajracharya revealed that bus service between Kathmandu and Lasha, the capital of China's Tibet Autonomous Region, would open soon.

"So many Nepalese people who are eager to visit China will be benefited by the straight bus service," Bajracharya said.

He also expressed appreciation for the Chinese government to list Nepal as a tourist destination for Chinese tourists.

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2005)