Director of the China National Tourism Administration Shao Qiwei signed here Wednesday a memorandum of understanding with Omani Tourism Minister Ragiha Abdul Bin Al.

In line with the memo, Oman, an Arab country located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, formally becomes a tourism destination for Chinese citizens.

The launch of the tourism route will further expand the exchanges between China and the West Asian country in tourism and other fields, according to officials with the Administration.

Oman is abundant in tourism resources, with 1,700 km coastlines and many historical sites and scenic spots.

China sees a growing number of people traveling abroad as more overseas tourist destinations open to Chinese citizens.

Statistics from the Administration showed that more than 30 million Chinese went abroad for sightseeing in 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2006)