Italy is doing its utmost to woo as many Chinese tourists as possible this year, the Year of Italy in China.

"Although Chinese tourists account for less than 1 percent of arrivals in Italy so far, China will be Italy's most important tourism partner in the future," said Piergiorgio Togni, general manager of the Italian State Tourist Board.

Italy boasts enchanting natural beauty, arts, fine cuisine and soccer, he said.

Activities such as travel fairs, art exhibitions, fashion shows, musical and dancing performances and wine and culinary events will all take place on the Chinese mainland to celebrate the special year.

China signed an agreement with the European Union (EU) in 2004. It formally set out how all EU nations would be travel destinations for Chinese tourists.

To offer more convenience for Chinese travelers, Chinese waiters and waitresses will be available in hotels and Chinese people will act as tour guides. Chinese-language signs will be put up in airports.

In 2004, the Italian embassy in China gave out 4,304 visas to individual travelers and 8,350 to business travelers.

Meanwhile, South Africa's top tourism minister believes that China will become one of the African country's top three sources of tourists by 2010.

A recent market survey conducted by South African Tourism (SAT) reflects the growing interest in South Africa as a prime destination for Chinese tourists. More than 30 million respondents stated a "great interest" in South Africa and said they would put it at the top of their destination list.

"We remain very bullish on the tourism and economic development potential between China and South Africa," said Zolelwa Mukozho, South African tourism portfolio manager, Asia and Australia.

"We will be working closely with Chinese officials to explore avenues to increase the flow of Chinese travelers to South Africa."

In 2004, around 52,000 Chinese visitors traveled to South Africa. In the first two weeks of this year South Africa issued over 2,000 visas to Chinese citizens, more than double the number in 2004.

As for personal safety while traveling in South Africa, Mikhachane Joseph Ngobeni, head of communication and liaison services in the South African Police Service head office in Pretoria, suggested that Chinese travelers should not carry too much cash with them.

Two Chinese women were shot to death in South Africa last month, among the many murdered in the country in recent years.

(China Daily March 25, 2006)